5 Tips for a Successful Remote Onboarding

5 Tips for a Successful Remote Onboarding (and Personalized Gift Ideas to Strengthen the Sense of Belonging!)

Remote work has become a reality in the professional world, whether it’s full-time remote work, flex office, or hybrid work.

Integrating a new employee under these conditions can be challenging for both the company and the newcomer. How can you succeed in the remote onboarding process while creating a sense of belonging, understanding of company values, and connection with colleagues?

Your Swiss Promotional Items Agency MyGift shares 5 tips for ensuring a successful remote onboarding, providing an enriching and motivating experience for the new hire.

Tip #1: Ensure Your Employee Has All Necessary Equipment

In remote work, having the right equipment is essential for ensuring optimal productivity and well-being at work. It’s crucial that your new employee has all the necessary IT tools and software from day one.

This includes a reliable computer, a stable internet connection, a quality webcam for video conferences, and other essentials like headphones, an ergonomic mouse, a second screen, etc.

Make sure not to miss any of these essential Onboarding Promotional Items thanks to our 100% custom Goodies Welcome Pack.

What personalized accessories should you offer your remote employees?

Beyond the technical tools, offering personalized gifts with the company’s branding (mug, notebook, t-shirt) can help create an emotional connection with the organization. Simple gestures like receiving a welcome kit with branded goodies help reinforce company culture, even from a distance. These onboarding pack of goodies make the employee feel integrated and valued from day one.

Un chargeur à induction de tendance bois entièrement personnalisé pour offrir comme cadeau d'entreprise ou goodies

Do not miss any of our last news

Tip #2: Organize a Team Introduction Video Call

The first interaction with colleagues is crucial for establishing a positive team dynamic. In remote work, direct interaction with new coworkers isn’t always possible. One solution? Organize a team introduction video call on the first day. This virtual meeting allows the new hire to put faces to names, understand the company’s structure, and ask initial questions.

How to organize an effective onboarding video call?

For an effective video conference, make sure to:

Introduce different departments and explain how they interact.
Include a virtual roundtable so that each team member can briefly introduce themselves.
Create a more informal moment where everyone can share an anecdote or fun fact to break the ice and foster a relaxed atmosphere.
Provide an organizational chart and role descriptions in advance to help the new employee understand who does what on the team.

You can also arrange to send a welcome pack of goodies ahead of time, including all necessary information and personalized gifts that highlight the importance of the new hire joining the team.

Tip #3: Plan a Structured Schedule with Daily Check-ins

One of the biggest challenges of remote work is maintaining regular contact with the team without falling into isolation. To avoid this, it’s important to plan a structured schedule with regular check-ins in advance. These moments of exchange, whether daily or weekly, help ensure smooth communication, track the new hire’s progress, and quickly address any questions or needs.

What should this schedule include?

Daily or bi-weekly meetings: Short check-ins to discuss priorities, progress, and any challenges.
Weekly check-ins: More in-depth reviews of long-term goals and the employee’s feelings about their integration.
Informal moments: Don’t forget about virtual coffee breaks or online after-work gatherings. These lighter moments foster communication and strengthen bonds among colleagues.

Tip #4: Show Generosity with Thoughtful Gestures

Integration is not just about meetings and training. Small gestures of generosity can significantly help the new employee feel appreciated. For example, offering a personalized corporate gift based on their passions or organizing a virtual activity (escape room, quiz, etc.) are simple yet effective ways to create a pleasant work environment and strengthen team bonds.

How to make bold choices in personalized gifts for your remote employees?

Personalized gifts: Based on the employee’s interests, you could send a gourmet box with local specialties, a subscription to a wellness platform, or motivational books.
Welcome card signed by the team: A personalized note can have a big emotional impact, especially in remote work where interactions are often digital.
Wellness goodies: Why not offer ergonomic office equipment (like a comfortable desk chair) or propose wellness coaching sessions for your remote employees?

Need bold gift ideas? Contact MyGift’s team for a tailor-made gift reflecting your brand.

Une gourde en acier inoxydable à personnaliser de la marque Dopper

Une lunchbox ou boîte à déjeune élégante en acier et bois offerte comme objet publicitaire personnalisé

Tip #5: Take the Necessary Time for a Successful Integration (at least 2 weeks)

The onboarding process shouldn’t be rushed. Remote integration often takes longer than in-person onboarding. It’s essential to plan at least two weeks for the new hire to get settled, understand their responsibilities, and adapt to the company culture. During this period, they should have the opportunity to interact regularly with colleagues, participate in projects, and feel supported throughout the process.

Why does remote onboarding require at least 2 weeks?

Allows for a gradual adjustment: In remote work, it can be harder to quickly grasp the tools, culture, and internal processes.
Multiply points of interaction: Regular meetings (group or one-on-one) help foster a more natural connection.
Assess satisfaction and needs: At the end of the two weeks, it may be useful to organize feedback with the new hire to assess their experience and adjust the process if needed.

Are you a remote worker who recently joined a fully remote company? Share your ideas for a successful remote onboarding!

What are your tips for a successful remote integration? If you’ve recently been hired in a full remote or telework setup, what would you like to see implemented during your next online onboarding? Feel free to share your experiences and ideas to make remote onboarding a pleasant and memorable experience!

Remote work, with its unique challenges, also presents a great opportunity to innovate in employee management and onboarding practices. Good preparation and a human-centered approach are key to making this new professional journey a shared success, even from miles away from the office!

Remote Onboarding: How to Successfully Welcome a New Employee from a Distance