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5 tips for successful remote onboarding (and our personalised gift ideas to prioritise to strengthen the sense of belonging!)
Remote work has now become a reality in the professional world, whether in the form of full remote work, flex office or hybrid work. Onboarding a new employee under these conditions can be challenging, both for the company and for the new hire.
How can you successfully manage the remote onboarding process (or onboarding) while creating a sense of belonging, understanding of company values, and connection with colleagues?
The teams at My Gift, your Swiss promotional items agency, share their 5 tips to ensure successful remote onboarding while providing an enriching and motivating experience for the new employee.
Tip #1: Make sure your employee has all the necessary equipment
In remote work, proper equipment is the foundation for ensuring optimal productivity and well-being at work. It is therefore essential that your new employee has all the required IT tools and software from day one.
This includes a high-performance computer, a reliable internet connection, a quality webcam for video conferences, and all essential accessories such as a headset, an ergonomic mouse, a second screen, etc. To ensure you do not forget any of these essentials, MyGift offers a complete range of customisable made-to-measure corporate Welcome Packs.
Which personalised accessories should you offer your remote employees?
Beyond technical tools, offering personalised gifts in the company’s colours (mug, notebook, T-shirt) can help create an emotional connection with the organisation. Simple gestures like receiving a corporate welcome kit with personalised goodies help strengthen company culture, even from a distance. They enable the employee to feel integrated and valued from the very first days.
Tip #2: Organise a team introduction video call
The first contact with colleagues is crucial to establishing a positive team dynamic. In remote work, direct interaction with new colleagues is not always possible. A solution? Organise a team introduction video call from day one. This virtual meeting allows the new employee to put faces to names, understand the company structure, and ask their first questions.
How do you organise an onboarding video call effectively?
For an effective video conference, make sure to
- Introduce the different departments and explain how they interact.
- Include a virtual round of introductions so each team member briefly introduces themselves.
- Create a more informal moment where everyone can share an anecdote or a fun fact, to break the ice and create a friendly atmosphere.
- Provide an organisational chart and a description of roles in advance to help the new employee understand who does what within the team.
You can plan to send a remote onboarding kit in advance where your employee will find all the necessary information and personalised gifts highlighting the importance of their arrival within the team.
Entrust your project to our team of experts and schedule delivery of the welcome box to your employee’s home.
Tip #3: Plan the schedule in advance with daily check-ins
One of the most delicate aspects of remote work is maintaining a regular connection with the team without falling into isolation. To address this, it is important to plan a structured schedule in advance with regular check-ins. These touchpoints, whether daily or weekly, help maintain smooth communication, track the new employee’s progress, and respond quickly to their questions or needs.
What should this schedule include?
- Daily or twice-weekly meetings: Short check-ins to discuss priorities, progress, and any obstacles encountered.
- Weekly progress reviews: More in-depth reviews of long-term objectives and how the employee feels about their onboarding.
- Informal moments: Do not overlook virtual coffees or online after-work gatherings. These moments encourage lighter exchanges and strengthen bonds with colleagues.
Tip #4: Be generous with thoughtful gestures
Onboarding in remote work is not just about meetings and training. Small generous gestures can greatly help your employee feel appreciated. For example, offering a personalised corporate gift as a welcome present related to their passions, or organising a virtual activity (escape game, quiz, etc.), are simple yet effective ways to create a pleasant working atmosphere and strengthen team bonds.
How can you be bold when choosing personalised gifts for your remote employees?
Personalised gifts: Depending on the employee’s interests, you can send a gourmet box with local specialities, a subscription to a wellness platform, or motivating books.
Welcome card signed by the team: A personalised note can have a significant emotional impact, especially in remote work where exchanges are often digital.
Wellness goodies: Why not offer ergonomic office equipment (such as a comfortable office chair) or provide wellness coaching sessions for your employees?
Need bold gift ideas ? Contact the My Gift team for a made-to-measure gift that reflects your brand
Tip #5: Allow the necessary time for successful onboarding (minimum 2 weeks)
The onboarding process, even in the context of remote onboarding, should not be rushed. In remote work, onboarding often takes longer than on-site. It is essential to allow at least two weeks for the employee to find their footing, 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 in their steps.
Why should remote onboarding last at least 2 weeks?
Enable gradual adaptation: In a remote setting, it can be more difficult to quickly get to grips with tools, culture, and internal processes.
Increase interaction points: Regular meetings (in groups or one-to-one) help create a more natural connection.
Assess satisfaction and needs: At the end of the two weeks, it may be useful to organise a feedback session with the employee to assess how they feel and adjust the process if necessary.
Are you a remote employee who has recently joined a company in full remote? Share your ideas for successful remote onboarding!
And you, what are your tips for successful remote onboarding? If you have recently been hired in full remote or remote work, what would you like to see put in place during your next online onboarding? Feel free to share your experiences and ideas to make remote onboarding an enjoyable and memorable moment!
Remote work, with its specificities and challenges, also offers a unique opportunity to innovate in management practices and employee onboarding. Good preparation and a human approach are the keys to making this new professional adventure a shared success, even miles away from the office!
