Six Tips for Virtually Onboarding New Employees
The pandemic continues to keep many employees working remotely. Companies are adjusting and still exploring ways to keep co-workers connected and productive. Welcoming new employees to a virtual work environment is a challenge on many levels. Face-to-face meetings across screens can leave much to be desired when trying to get to know someone new at work. Here are some tips to help ease the transition when you are onboarding a new employee.
1. Send them a welcome gift on their first day.
Show your employee that you are excited to have them on your team by sending a meaningful gift that won’t break the bank like:
A desk organizer
An agenda
Company branded merchandise (i.e., pens, notebooks, water bottles, etc.)
2. Surprise them with a “card” by Kudoboard.com.
Kudoboard.com allows a group of team members to customize an electronic card to send to someone for special occasions. Encourage your team to make it fun by choosing a funky background, customizing their messages, and adding photos, gifs, or videos. Receiving one of these will make your co-worker feel a sense of belonging and appreciation.
3. Create a custom photo book with fun facts about the team.
A remote employee likely will not have the opportunity to get to know each of their co-workers personally. They may end up interacting more with one person and less with another. Working remotely also means employees are not in the office together to engage in casual conversation in-between assignments. Be intentional about getting acquainted by having your team share about themselves in a custom book you could give to your newest member. We like Shutterfly because they have quality products and great deals.
4. Schedule one-on-one lunches.
Encourage the employees on your team to get to know the newest member over a Zoom call during lunch. This opportunity allows the newcomer to have a more personal introduction to make up for the virtual working experience. Your team will feel more comfortable collaborating and communicating with each other once they are better acquainted.
5. Play a game.
At OLIO, we find playing games helpful to learn more about the team members that we otherwise wouldn’t know. When onboarding a new employee, consider playing games such as ice breakers, show & tell, or gather facts about everyone and try to match the fact with the team member.
6. Provide quick check-ins.
During the first several months, take the time to consistently (and casually) check in with your new employee to make sure they don't feel overwhelmed, have any questions, and have enough to do. It’s much easier for this to happen naturally in an office setting, but a virtual work environment may require more intentionality.
By implementing these onboarding strategies for your new employee, you ensure everyone on your team discovers something they didn't know about their teammates, and your new hire will feel appreciated and welcome.