Onboarding Remote Employees the Right Way

Onboarding Remote Employees: Set Expectations

Setting clear expectations in a virtual onboarding program is important for remote workers to understand company policies, procedures, role, and responsibilities.

Give new employees the resources they need to get started in their role, such as start dates and an employee handbook. Doing so will help them hit the ground running, setting a professional and productive tone from the start.

Make sure to be clear and upfront with expectations from the start:

• Explain company purpose: Let the new hire know what the company does and what its goals are.
• Define job responsibilities: Tell the new hire what they will be doing and what is expected of them.
• Review work schedule: Let the new hire know when they will be working and how much time off they can take.
• Evaluate job performance: Explain how the new hire will be evaluated and what they need to do to be successful.
• Talk about growth opportunities: Let the new hire know about chances for advancement within the company.
• Encourage questions: Give the new hire a chance to ask questions and clarify anything they’re unsure about.

By setting clear expectations, you can help foster a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone is clear on their role and responsibilities. Where long term growth and development are encouraged.

This in turn can lead to a more motivated, engaged and productive remote workforce.

Discuss Your Communication Methods and Styles

When onboarding new hires remotely, it’s important to communicate your preferred methods of communication. Whether it be through email, phone calls, video calls or text messages. Include when it is best to use each method.

Make sure to lay out the expectations of when and how employees will be expected to check-in. This can include set times such as before or after shifts, once a day, or only in cases of problems. Doing so ensures everyone is on the same page and knows what is expected of them.

Emphasize the importance of maintaining a professional tone and demeanor, regardless of the communication platform being used.

Share your personal communication style with your new hires, so they have a better understanding of your approach. For example, you might be maternal, funny, or straightforward in your communication.

Finally, it’s crucial to treat your new hires with respect and dignity, recognizing them as both individuals and colleagues. This sets a positive tone for the work environment and helps foster a productive and harmonious work environment and builds relationships.

Onboarding Remote Employees: Goal-Based Training

A goal-based training program is essential for the success of new hires in any organization. It starts with a clear understanding of the company’s structure and goals.

Providing an overview of the company’s structure and using an organizational chart to illustrate the roles and responsibilities of each team member can help the new hire understand the bigger picture and their place in it. Communication of the company’s overall direction and how the new hire’s performance will impact the company’s trajectory is also important. This helps the new hire understand their role and the impact they can make on the organization.

The goal-based training program should be designed to help the new hire achieve their objectives and become a productive member of the team. It should be based on real-life scenarios and problem-solving exercises that encourage the new hire to take ownership of their responsibilities.

For example, sharing specific examples of both successful and unsuccessful experiences can help new hires learn from real-life scenarios. When discussing a problem, it is important to avoid emotional language and instead provide a clear and factual description of the situation. Encouraging the new hire to come up with solutions and offering support when needed will help them integrate into the company culture more smoothly.

The goal-based training approach will set the new hires up for success and help them integrate into the company culture more smoothly. By establishing clear goals and expectations, the new hire will have a clear understanding of what they need to do to be successful in their role. This type of training helps to reduce frustration and confusion, and it encourages the new hire to take an active role in their own development.

By adopting a goal-based approach, companies can increase the chances of success for their new hires and help them become valuable contributors to the team.

Gwenn’s Short Take

Starting a new job can be a confusing and unsettling experience, especially on the first day. It’s essential for employers to create a positive and supportive atmosphere for new hires from the moment they start. This helps employees feel valued and confident in their decision to join the company.

Provide new hires with access to the necessary tools and resources they need to get started in their role. Doing so will help them hit the ground running, setting a professional and productive tone from the start. This includes setting up their email addresses and making sure they are operational on the first day.

By taking the time to set high expectations and lead by example, you demonstrate your commitment to creating a positive and productive work environment. This sets the tone for a successful onboarding experience and helps new hires feel confident and empowered in their new role.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that new hires feel comfortable and supported as they begin their journey with your company.

Oboarding can be simple and easy, but first, you need an awesome job description. Start making job descriptions that make sense, so you can focus on what your business really needs from you. Learn the step-by-step instructions for writing an exceptional job description with our FREE guide. 

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