Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking enough but doing it in a remote setting can add an extra layer of uncertainty. Imagine this, you are a newcomer, and you have no idea what to expect. Your mind might have been filled with all sorts of feelings – from excitement to nervousness. In a remote setting, you may miss a few moments of comfort that come with a new job like chatting with the lady at the front desk before they let you come in or having your first day lunch out with your team to get to know them better.  

This is what remote workers deal with when starting a new job in a virtual environment. And as their manager, it is your responsibility to set the tone for their success by making your new hires feel welcome on your team, giving them clear expectations on what the work is all about, and introducing them to your company’s culture and policies. Onboarding, the process of integrating new hires into your organisation, can build a solid foundation for your team members when done right. When your new team member starts off on the right foot, they are more likely to feel confident and motivated, leading to increased productivity and better performance. While starting off on the wrong foot can break their confidence and they may feel discouraged and overwhelmed. It may also cause them to question your organisation’s professionalism and commitment to their success.  

So, let’s make sure that you give your new team members the support and the resources they need to hit the ground running and thrive in their new roles. 

But how can you make the onboarding process less overwhelming and make them excited and eager to get to work? Here’s how you can create a memorable first day for them.  

Set clear expectations and provide support 

Make your new team members feel welcome and confident from the start. Provide them with a clear vision of what success looks like. Introduce them to your company’s vision and goals. It is also helpful to give some pointers on how to work effectively with other colleagues, especially if there are different cultures involved. When you establish clear expectations early on, it helps create a strong foundation for your new hires to adapt in their new role. 

You can also create a space for your new team members to ask about the way things work in your organisation. It is best to have a mix of formal and informal interaction so that the new hire feels comfortable asking any question. After all, they’re still figuring things out and being open to their questions can help.
 

Find opportunities to make them feel welcome 

Another way to make them feel welcome is by instilling a sense of pride and belonging in your new hires. One way to go about it is providing them with starter kits. It can be an effective way to help them feel prepared and excited for the new role. It can include items that would help them feel connected to the team like office supplies, company merch, or even a simple welcome letter. Starter kits can serve as a memorable souvenir for new hires on their first day.  

Aside from starter kits, another fantastic way to make your new hires comfortable is by treating them to lunch. Celebrating their first day with free lunch can make them feel welcomed and valued. Taking the time to sit down and chat over a meal, even if it is virtual, can help break the ice and create a more personal connection with your new hires.  

However, it is important to note that treating new employees to lunch is not a requirement or expectation. You can have alternative options which could include a coffee break, virtual happy hour, or a team-building activity. 

Build friendships along the way 

Remote set up can be lonely. Because of limited interactions, it can be difficult for your new hires to establish a sense of connection, that is why you need to help them build work friendships from the start. During your onboarding, you can take proactive steps such as hosting games and team building exercises. Adding some fun and interactive activities can help new hires feel at ease and connected with their team members. This can also lead to a happier and more collaborative work atmosphere, which can ultimately result in better job satisfaction and teamwork. 

Onboarding helps your team members get off to a strong start, build comfortable relationships, get familiar with your culture, and set clear expectations for their roles. And it isn’t just a one-time event, it’s an ongoing process that should cater to each employee’s needs and goals. By investing in effective onboarding practices, you can build a strong foundation for your employees and set them up for long-term success. Provide continuous support and feedback, address any concerns or challenges that may arise, and help your new hires develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. 

If you need more tips and best practices on how to effectively launch a virtual onboarding for your new employees, do not hesitate to reach out to us! Just send a message to Filta’s Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer, Nerissa Chaux, at nerissa@filtaglobal.com and she will guide you through the process of effectively managing remote teams to achieve your business goals.