In today’s digital landscape, it is more important than ever for staffing agencies to know how to effectively onboard remote workers. A strong onboarding process is crucial in order to retain top talent. Various remote activities are now a necessity, and telecommuting for work is no exception. Executives are now forced to find top talent in new ways. Properly supporting remote recruits certainly does take strategy.
Onboarding a Remote Worker
Follow this step-by-step guide to bring on new employees virtually.
Prepare Digital Systems
If a new employee is expected to be joining a team, it is smart to have all the required digital systems in place and ready to use. With in-house workers, the new employees can take their time getting settled into the environment, however with remote onboarding, the worker simply has to wait while their manager organizes the documentation they will need to go over. To be efficient and conscious of everyone’s time, it is best to have the required systems prepared beforehand.
Virtual Meetings
Video conference calls should be hosted on a regular basis with remote workers. New team members should always feel welcomed and part of a supportive workplace. Virtual meetings allow for communication and reassurance from their manager and also to become acquainted with coworkers. New recruits should be invited to several video calls on the first day to get the ball rolling.
Promote Online Conversations
An easy-to-use chat channel can significantly help the onboarding process for remote workers. There will most likely be many questions that arise for them in the beginning. Ongoing digital chats allow all staff to be included and will be very helpful for specific questions. These online conversations can also increase the opportunity to converse and get to know each other.
Encourage a Buddy System
Any new staff member should have a point of contact or a mentor to help guide him or her through the onboarding process. Most new employees try not to bother their manager with too many questions, so it is best to have another person they can consult with. This individual should not only know all the company’s policies very well, but should also be friendly and helpful.
Email Important Paperwork
It is common for new employees to be given the company’s handbook on the first day. For remote workers, the policies must be sent digitally. The necessary paperwork should be put together in an organized fashion and sent via email with a clear subject line to easily refer back to. It is smart to take advantage of modern technology by using software to create digital signatures for forms.
Remote Training
It is best to use role-specific training sessions that include question and answer time, ensuring the opportunity to clarify important topics. Demonstrations should be recorded when applicable so visual learners are able to better understand what they are being taught. Interactive and user-friendly courses, using quizzes and games, can be very helpful to get participants more engaged.
About World Wide Specialty Programs
For the last 50 years, World Wide Specialty Programs has dedicated itself to providing the optimal products and solutions for the staffing industry. As the only insurance firm to be an ASA commercial liability partner, we are committed to that partnership and committed to using our knowledge of the industry to provide staffing firms with the best possible coverage. For more information about Staffing Professional Liability Insurance or any other coverage, we have available to protect your staffing business, give us a call at (877) 256-0468 to speak with one of our representatives.