The onboarding process can be lengthy and tiresome for both employees and managers. There are new etiquettes and protocols to study, new software to install, and a giddy array of new guidelines, logistics, and practices to consider. The outbreak of coronavirus has upended several traditional office processes and has introduced a trend towards virtual work driven by new technologies. 

The onboarding process is simple and easy. In the present work environment, the administrators may face difficulty in integrating and orienting a new hire in the firm who is thousands of miles away. Here are some steps that can make the process easier and simpler:

1. Overprepare for the New Employee

When working virtually, it is very common to miss out on details. This issue gets double when the employee is new. Providing detailed guidance can help in this situation. Certain tools help in prioritization and keeping track of the progress.

2. Fill Downtime with Self-study Items

Creating a list of self-study items like competitors’ information, websites, essential articles, and documents, to fill the breaks in the schedule. 

3. Schedule a Face-to-face Webcam Introduction with the Team

Schedule an interactive session for the new employee with the important members of the team. It is an excellent way to make everyone familiar with each other.

4. Set up Virtual Meetings with Crucial Company Figures and Colleagues

Give the list of some important people with whom the new employee has to work outside the specific team. Fix some virtual meetings to help them to break the ice and kick-off communications.

5. Connect them to Other Virtual Colleagues

Try to connect your new employee with the other associates who also work virtually. They can share suggestions, strategies, and insights. 

6. Check-in on Them Regularly

Schedule one-on-one meetings with virtual employees more frequently. This type of communication will be valuable in the future.

7. Identify an off-hour “Mentor”

This is necessary for the guidance of an employee who is in a different time zone. Choose a mentor who is close to the specific time zone of the remote employee, to whom the employee can go for any concerns, questions, or worries.

8. Document Everything

It is important to provide the new hire with the written documentation of everything necessary, such as job-specific procedures. 

9. Use the Internal Experts

During virtual meetings, bring in a combination of several different voices. If there is a need to onboard the new hire for an internal system, get one of the professionals from the team to lead the onboarding.

10. Rethink the Budget

Allot every team member a definite amount of money to buy lunch, and then on a video conference, have everyone to enjoy the meal together.

Conclusion

Regular communication and transparency are very important for virtual onboarding. Try to make the new hire feel welcomed and supported in the firm and be provided with the appropriate tools and resources to get started on their new role.