5 tips for a online onboarding process
As an L&D professional, you understand better than anyone how crucial it is to retain suitable personnel within your organization. A good start to the working relationship is essential, and that's where the onboarding process plays a significant role. Let's take a moment to understand what 'onboarding' entails. You know that the onboarding process for new employees in your organization plays a key role in providing information about their tasks, organizational processes, and company culture. And now, with more employees working in a hybrid manner, we share 5 tips with you for a seamless online onboarding process.
Digitize the onboarding process
As an L&D professional, you understand that online onboarding is becoming increasingly popular due to time-saving and cost-effectiveness. By using an online academy, you can provide all the information in one place. As an L&D professional, you can easily create and update the onboarding process. Additionally, new employees have the flexibility to go through the onboarding process at their own pace.
Start online onboarding early
For a flying start, it's essential that new employees are familiar with basic information about the organization and their new role before their first day of work. In the onboarding process, as an L&D professional, you can emphasize log-in codes, house rules, work instructions, and organizational culture. This way, they feel prepared and valued, and you reduce the time it takes for them to get up to speed, preventing information overload on their first day.
Blend offline and online onboarding with blended learning
As an L&D professional, you know that blended learning is a valuable approach for the onboarding process. Combine online and offline learning methods to create a comprehensive and effective onboarding process. Online, focus on orientation, but also include offline activities such as meet-ups with colleagues and supervisors to promote the social integration of new employees. These moments also offer opportunities for face-to-face questions and feedback. Blended learning, as an L&D professional, enhances the onboarding process.
Personalize the onboarding experience
A personal touch in the onboarding process is important. For example, include a welcome video or a directory of faces to create a warm welcome for the new employee. Also, assign a designated point of contact for their questions. This way, as an L&D professional, you give the online onboarding a personal and interactive dimension.
Make the online onboarding inspiring and allow time
In these times of remote work, we all miss the informal conversations at the coffee machine and walks with colleagues during breaks. Now that all communication takes place online, it can sometimes be tiring. As an L&D expert, you can go the extra mile in your online onboarding process. Pay special attention to your facial expressions and vocal tone during online training or presentations. Look into the camera, make gestures, and be lively and interactive. This way, you make the onboarding process more personal, even though there's a screen between you and the new employee.
Want to know more?
The extra time and attention you invest in a good online onboarding process lead to employees who feel welcome and valued, even from a distance. An effective onboarding process results in engaged and motivated employees, and that's precisely what you want to achieve as an L&D professional.
Download the whitepaper 'Benefits of an Online Academy' today and start growing!
