Remote work is on the rise, and the trend is only expected to continue. With more and more employees working remotely, it’s become increasingly important for employers to have a solid remote onboarding process in place. After all, getting new hires up to speed and contributing quickly is crucial for any business, but it can be especially challenging when team members are spread out across the globe.

There are a few key things you can do to ensure your remote onboarding process is as smooth and successful as possible. Here are 10 tips to help you get started:

Start with the basics

When you’re onboarding a new remote worker, it’s important to start with the basics. Make sure that they have all of the necessary equipment and software set up before their first day.

Importantly, make sure your IT team is able to help your new hires with the installation and understanding of any of these basics. You’ll also want to go over any company policies or procedures that they need to be aware of. By getting the basics out of the way, you’ll set your new hire up for success from the very beginning.

Create a schedule

One of the best ways to stay on track with remote onboarding is to create a schedule. This will ensure that both you and your new hire know what needs to be accomplished and when. It can be helpful to break down the onboarding process into smaller tasks that can be completed over the course of a few days or weeks.

Set expectations

It’s important to set realistic expectations with your new remote hire. They should know what is expected of them in terms of work hours, deadlines, and communication. By setting clear expectations from the start, you can avoid any confusion or frustration down the road.

Part of setting expectations also includes having scheduled checkins so that you can give new hires feedback on what they are doing right or wrong. Often, new people are reluctant to ask questions because they don’t want to appear inept, so regular check-ins will help ensure that they are on the right track.

Provide resources

Make sure that your new hire has all of the resources they need to be successful. This includes things like access to company documentation, contact information for colleagues, and any relevant software or tools. By providing them with everything they need, you’ll help them hit the ground running. Consider making use of DAPs to help make remote learning easier, especially if there are complicated software and digital tools that have steep learning curves.

Establish communication channels

It’s essential to establish clear communication channels before onboarding a new remote worker. This way, you can easily stay in touch and provide feedback or answer any questions they may have. There are a variety of tools available that can help with this, such as video conferencing, messaging apps, and project management software.

Check in often

When you’re onboarding a new remote hire, it’s important to check in with them often. This will help you gauge how they’re doing and whether or not they need any additional support. It’s also a good opportunity to answer any questions they may have or provide feedback on their progress.

Give feedback

Giving feedback is an important part of the onboarding process, both for you and your new hire. It’s essential to provide both positive and negative feedback in order to help them improve and grow in their role. Try to be as specific as possible when giving feedback so that they can easily understand what needs to be worked on.

Promote social interactions

One of the challenges of remote onboarding is promoting social interactions. This is important because it helps new hires feel connected to their colleagues and builds team morale. There are a few ways to promote social interactions, such as virtual happy hours or social media groups.

Encourage networking

Networking is another important aspect of remote onboarding. It’s a great way for new hires to meet people in their industry and learn about new opportunities. There are a variety of online networking events and groups that your new hire can join.

Follow up

Last but not least, don’t forget to follow up with your new hire after the onboarding process is complete. This is a good opportunity to see how they’re adjusting to their new role and whether or not they have any questions or concerns. It’s also a chance to let them know that you’re there to support them as they settle into their new position.

Now that you know the 10 best tips for better remote onboarding, put them into practice and see how they can help you get your new hire up to speed quickly and contribute effectively to your company.

Conclusion

Onboarding a new remote worker doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these 10 tips, you can set them up for success and help them hit the ground running. With clear expectations, ample resources, and regular check-ins, you can ensure that your new hire has everything they need to be a valuable member of your team.