It’s no secret that companies are continuing to utilize remote work-from-home with employees, even as COVID is waning. Onboarding new employees who will be working remotely can be challenging, yet it’s critical in order to set the new employee up for success. How can you do so effectively? Here are a few ideas:

1. Well before the start date, send the new employee all the supplies needed: laptop, training manuals, supplies. If the company has any branded items like coffee mugs or t-shirts, include those in the package to make the employee feel connected to the company. Include a personal welcome note from the CEO.

2. Be sure the employee is up to speed on your company culture. Send the employee handbook, slides and photos from company meetings, the annual report, or any materials that will help the employee become better acquainted with your company.

3. Show the new employee how to use communication tools like meeting software, internal message systems, phone systems, and email.

4. Set up an introductory video meeting with the team. It’s important to see faces and hear voices, particularly in a remote work scenario. Make sure the new employee has a list of names and even a photo of each team member.

5. Provide a written training plan and a set of expectations to the new team member. Schedule weekly video calls to discuss progress.

6. If possible, arrange an in-person meeting within the first few months. While video calls are great, nothing builds loyalty and belonging like a handshake or fist bump.

Once the new employee is aboard, trained and contributing, don’t stop there. It’s important to regularly find ways to connect the remote worker with the rest of the team. Investing in your remote workers will ensure that they are contributing their best work to the company.

Check out a few of our other blogs and videos like a previous podcast with Joel Goldberg - Rounding The Bases with Mitch Case