A famous adage that we all recognize is “First impressions are lasting impressions”. Relevant in every aspect and stage of life be it school, college, office or even within society. In professional parlance the first impression we make during an interview or while steering an important business or client meeting significantly persuades our prospects. Similarly, the first impression that an organization makes on new employees on their first day is equally important for both the stakeholders involved.
Also See: Employee Engagement and Retention: Virtual Onboarding Experience
For a fruitful experience, let’s explore some vital tips that will make virtual onboarding process a great experience for new recruits.
Do not Rush Onboarding
Onboarding requires an efficient schedule, whether it is done over a few days or a few weeks. Working out the details for streamlined onboarding process for every new employee helps make the induction process friendlier and more productive.
Training is done in short bursts, allows managers to address any issues that crop up and solve them right away. This approach helps the new team member manage their time and workload better, reduces stress especially if they are balancing various responsibilities like children, partners, parents etc. while also attempting to absorb important new information. It also allows colleagues to connect and establish comfortable working relationships with the new employee.
Availability and readiness
Be available and keep answers ready. Virtual onboarding via video conferences or meetings allows recruits and managers to follow a structured well-paced program, but as an important stakeholder HR must ensure that they have a person guiding the new employee and overseeing this process to ensure that the information is received and imbibed. Recruits should not feel lost or overwhelmed by the process or the information. The presence of HR personnel makes a big difference in how friendly and relatable the onboarding process is perceived to be.
Assigning Work Buddies or Mentors
Joining a new workplace and new teams can be intimidating. Having a work buddy will help new employees navigate this period of transition with a lot more comfort. New employees can reach out to them when they have any questions, inconveniences, or require any guidance. Such subtle mentoring and guidance enhance orientation considerably. It also allows employees to go through training materials at their own pace and learn to manage their workload expectations, deliverables, deadlines.
Engage and communicate
Communication with new recruits is crucial. Quick and regular communication with new employees, especially in times of virtual onboarding helps ease any jitters and anxieties they may be experiencing. It builds healthy rapport and confidence. Prior to pandemic new employees could easily approach and walk up to their managers or vice versa and build camaraderie. Post Covid, this rapport building requires proactive communication from the new employees, seniors and team members.
By implementing the above tips organisations can create a pleasant onboarding journey for the new employees and make them feel welcomed and supported. We will continue with the remaining list in our next blog.
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