Onboarding employees is always a bit of a lengthy process when done correctly, and it can seem even more intimidating with remote employees. However, if remote employees are given all of the proper resources, it can make the process much easier for everyone. Here are four tips for onboarding remote employees.
Send equipment early
Send your remote employees their equipment a few days early so that they have everything they need for their start date. Sending equipment early also allows employees to reach out if something is not working properly and get items replaced if needed. When an employee’s first few days are riddled with technology issues, it can be frustrating for the new employee and their co-workers.
Send an employee welcome kit
Send your remote employees company swag to make them feel welcome and included in the company. In this kit, also include a detailed description of how to login to any software or web applications they will need to do their job. Make these instructions for remote employees as detailed as possible to help minimize confusion. You can also consider adding videos to help make the instructions for setting things up clearer.
Schedule several calls with them for the first week
Take the time to call your new hires during their first week and answer any of their questions or concerns. Make sure your new remote workers feel confident in the equipment they have been given and do not have any further questions. Also make sure they know who to ask with questions that come up along the way.
It can be overwhelming for remote employees to figure everything out on their own, so make sure a manager and maybe even a peer or mentor is available to guide them through their first week.
Make sure they understand their expectations and work schedule
On their first day, go over work expectations. Talk about their goals. Discuss what you expect their productivity to be like. Also, make sure they understand the company’s communication standards. Since remote employees are not in the office, it is important to go over your expectations for them so that they have a better understanding.
It is also important to go over their work schedule. Make sure they understand what an appropriate amount of time is to be away from their computer versus what is too much time. Talking about these things early on can help prevent any future problems.
Remote employees also often feel pressured to continue working outside of their work hours, so make sure you go over what is expected of them and what is not. Make sure they know they know it is not encouraged for them to answer work calls or emails outside of their expected hours.
Onboarding remote employees can be tricky, but if your employees are given the proper resources, it can help make the process go much more smoothly.