Hybrid working has quickly become the norm in the post-pandemic workplace. According to a recent study titled The Future of Work: 8 Trends in Workplace Transformation, by software firm Cloudbooking in collaboration with you.gov, more than half of people in the UK and the US are working on a hybrid basis.
The onboarding process is increasingly important in the current hybrid work environment. New hires need to receive comprehensive onboarding training whether they’re working remotely or in an office, as this ensures that employees have a successful start and understand the expectations of their role from the outset.
To accommodate remote and on-site onboarding, companies can use a hybrid onboarding system, which enables employees to complete onboarding tasks through online learning management systems while connecting with colleagues virtually or in person.
This facilitates an efficient onboarding process that caters to all team members regardless of location and minimises productivity disruption caused by onboarding remote or hybrid teams.
The importance of onboarding in a hybrid work setting
A hybrid work setting combines traditional in-office and remote working environments. In this setup, employees can choose from various different work styles, which often include working from home some days and going into the office on others.
It offers staff the opportunity to benefit from the personal experience that comes with being in an office but also a chance to enjoy many of the advantages of working remotely. As teams can tailor their hours and set up to meet their specific needs, it allows for greater flexibility, giving staff more control over balancing personal commitments with professional responsibilities.
Challenges of hybrid onboarding
Onboarding employees in a hybrid work setting poses some unique challenges. Due to the current global talent shortage, many businesses have been forced to adapt their onboarding process to accommodate remote onboarding – incorporating both in-person and virtual elements.
This incredibly complex hybrid onboarding environment requires employers to plan and strategise different ways of onboarding employees, ensuring everyone feels supported and included. With the rapid changes being made to onboarding processes, successfully onboarding employees in a hybrid work setting can be an overwhelming task for any organisation.
As such, employers must remain organised throughout the onboarding process by clearly communicating expectations of job roles, workloads and roles specialised for working remotely.
Remote onboarding vs hybrid onboarding
The onboarding process for new employees can come with challenges, especially in the current climate. Remote onboarding and hybrid onboarding are two available approaches that can be used for onboarding. Remote onboarding involves the entire onboarding process being completed solely through remote methods such as video calls, emails, phone conversations etc.
Hybrid onboarding uses both remote methods and partially or fully conducted in-person activities. Both approaches have their pros and cons. Remote onboarding increases convenience and saves costs. However, it may be harder to build relationships with colleagues remotely than in an in-person meeting.
When it comes to onboarding new employees, companies should evaluate their current situation and consider which method will bring the most benefit. Factors to weigh would include the size of the organisation, the number of personnel needing onboarding, the scope of onboarding required, and any regulatory constraints.
You must take careful consideration to ensure that all variables are adequately addressed when selecting an onboarding program to achieve long-term success. Companies should be confident that selecting a program designed for success is within reach with proper research and consideration.
Onboarding experience and strategies
Onboarding employees successfully starts with communication and setting expectations. Every onboarding process, whether remote, hybrid, or in-person, should include a comprehensive training program to ensure new employees are up to speed on the company’s process and tools.
A successful onboarding experience also innovates employee engagement through mentorship and relationship building so that they feel connected to their team and keep a sense of camaraderie during the onboarding process. By incorporating these key elements and other strategies, such as follow-up onboarding check-ins, companies can lay the foundations for great onboarding experiences that will benefit both employers and new hires for years to come.
The role of technology in effective hybrid onboarding
Technology has revolutionised onboarding processes within hybrid work settings. With the right technology, organisations can leverage efficient onboarding processes that foster successful long-term employee relationships, resulting in improved project completion rates, enhanced innovative capabilities, and excellent customer service.
During onboarding, having a clear onboarding process is essential to establish expectations and goals for the onboarded employee. Strategies that can help maximise productivity and engagement during onboarding include setting clear expectations from the beginning, fostering a sense of belonging, and providing opportunities for socialisation, along with ongoing educational training to support growth and development.
Done correctly, these strategies help create an environment that not only supports onboarded employees but also encourages them to reach their fullest potential during the onboarding journey.
An onboarding program significantly impacts how quickly and effectively new team members integrate into an organisation. For this reason, managers and teams must be proactive in creating an onboarding experience that fulfils specific organisational objectives. The key to success lies in communication and collaboration between the manager and the team.
But it doesn’t stop there. Managers can constantly improve and evolve their strategies by taking the time to measure the effectiveness of onboarding programs based on feedback. This ensures that current team members have a positive experience and that future new hires will benefit from the same level of excellence.
Empower your team and your organisation by investing in effective communication and making the onboarding process a top priority.
Optimise your hybrid onboarding experience
Creating a great onboarding experience in a hybrid work setting should be of prime importance for any business. A successful onboarding process ensures new employees are acclimated to the company culture and working efficiently and plays an important role in long-term engagement by making them feel they matter.
To ensure successful onboarding within this shifting landscape, businesses must carefully consider various onboarding elements such as technology, communication strategy, physical office layout and safety protocols. With great onboarding processes that fit their hybrid work setting, businesses can create an environment where employees feel welcomed, safe and at home – enabling them to reach greater heights.
