Posted on: May 29, 2024
With teams spread across the island and many people working remotely, successfully onboarding remote employees is critical to team cohesion, retention, employee performance and satisfaction. Below are some strategies to ensure a smooth onboarding experience for remote team members.
Onboarding Begins Before Day One
The onboarding process begins long before a remote employee's first day on the job. Communicating early and often is essential for them to feel welcomed and prepared. Provide essential resources and information, such as login credentials, equipment setup instructions, an overview of your team, and any exciting work underway. Scheduling a virtual meet-and-greet with your new employee’s team before their start date is a great way to build community and put your new employee at ease.
Encourage them to write a quick bio about themselves, including some interesting facts or interests. Emailing this to your team (and cc’ing your new employee) before their start date is a great way for your team to find common interests and welcome your new employee to the team.
Develop a Personalized Onboarding Plan
Craft a personalized onboarding plan for your new remote employee. This customizable template outlines key information a new employee needs to begin their new role. Consider developing a one- or two-week schedule for your new employee, including important meetings, training, connecting with key people, and time to review the intranet and other important information.
Assign a Peer Ambassador
Pair new remote employees with an experienced team member who can serve as a mentor and guide during the onboarding process. The peer ambassador can help new employees navigate the virtual environment, answer questions, and provide insights into team culture and workflows. This peer-to-peer support can help remote employees acclimate more quickly and feel connected to the team. Resources for peer ambassadors are available on the Pathway to C.A.R.E. intranet page.
Foster Virtual Collaboration and Team Building
Despite the physical distance, remote teams can build strong relationships and collaborate effectively. Organize virtual team-building activities, icebreaker sessions, and social events to help remote employees connect with their colleagues on a personal level.
Creating a group Teams chat so your team can connect quickly and informally is a great tool for building team cohesion.
Help Establish a Wide Network
Since your remote employee won’t run into coworkers at the coffee machine or in the elevator, help them establish their network early on. Introduce your new employee to key people across the organization so they can learn about different aspects of Island Health. These informal meetings will help your new employee understand the interconnectedness of our work.
Effective onboarding of remote employees requires planning, clear communication, and a focus on building connections and fostering engagement in a virtual environment. By following these strategies, you will set your remote employee up for success, ultimately driving productivity, satisfaction, and retention.
Please let us know what topics you'd like to see in future articles and keep an eye out for the next installment next month! Get in touch at onboarding@islandhealth.ca.