There has been an abundance of articles, blogs and webinars regarding virtual interviews but what happens next?
There are challenges regarding virtual interviewing but arguably the greater challenge is what happens after an offer has been accepted. It is clear it will be some time before normality resumes but many appointments are urgent and start dates cannot be delayed. Studies have shown effective employee onboarding reduces the risk of attrition and increases employee engagement so we have been working with candidates and clients on the most effective ways to remotely onboard candidates.
» Regular engagement prior to starting
The inability to meet not only hiring managers but other members of the team can leave candidates feeling removed and isolated. Interaction before their first day appears to alleviate this, whether it is a regular weekly check in leading up to the start date or a group video call with their new colleagues, or both.
» Virtual orientation
HR or hiring managers are providing virtual orientations, this does not necessarily mean a video walk through of the workplace (although this is also recommended!), but more of a who’s who in the business. Identifying key figures outside of the immediate team and having a virtual introduction will provide new employees with the confidence to reach out if they have any questions or issues.
» Creating company surroundings
When people are onboarded at home they can find it hard to feel part of the new company and culture. Sending care packages with company paraphernalia can help the new employee transform their home office to be an extension of the company office and culture. Recent examples have included stress balls, coffee mugs, mouse pads and t-shirts, to elaborate branded gift boxes and branded laptops.
» Team building
It remains important to keep the new employee engaged with the team when onboarding remotely. It may take weeks or even months before there is a pertinent business interaction with a team member so regular virtual events are proving to be vital. Positively received events have ranged from virtual drinks, to quizzes, group exercise sessions and team competitions.
» Continuous onboarding
It is easy to put in maximum effort in the first week or two of a new employee, but once the initial onboarding has been completed it is easy to assume they will get on with their role. Continuous virtual onboarding remains paramount to the future success of the new employee.
With the help of numerous tools and technologies, virtual onboarding has been made easier for both employers and employees. Whilst there is a long road ahead and nothing is without its challenges as long as everyone embraces the change, gives equal levels of energy and provides honest feedback throughout we have seen some very successful examples of virtual onboarding across the globe.
This feature was taken from our latest Proco Thinking regional newsletter, to access our full quarterly APAC insight subscribe via www.procothinking.com/signup
