Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees are starting their new jobs from home. It has always been important to properly integrate new employees to facilitate their adaptation and learning ability, but this is even more crucial in a telecommuting situation. The physical distance imposed by telecommuting also brings its own set of problems when it comes to psychological connections, as these are much easier in person. The impact of telecommuting on workers’ mental health has therefore become a global concern.
Why is remote employee Onboarding critical
Onboarding is crucial as a new worker, as it allows you to learn the basics of the job, understand the culture of your new environment, build relationships with your team and the company as a whole, and become familiar with the tools of the trade. This is also when you’ll get your first impression of your employer, peers and career advancement opportunities. When it comes to remote onboarding, managing the logistics is a challenge in itself, as well as making sure you are warmly welcomed and feel supported throughout, with a team you may never actually meet in person. If the onboarding process is successful, it opens the door for said employee to a long and successful career with the organization. If not, it could lead to the employee leaving.
Key practices for telework integration
Here are some suggestions that will allow you to reduce the psychological distance between members of the same team working remotely and to reinforce the feeling of proximity.
Receive material before the first day
Ensuring that you receive your work material prior to starting your job will allow you to become familiar with the tools used for the job as well as familiarize yourself with them. Having instructions on how to connect to the company network and contact information for someone on your team to begin your integration will encourage you to communicate early on if you encounter problems with the equipment. In addition, you will be willing to learn more about your responsibilities from day one. This step demonstrates that you are important to the employer and sets the stage for a warm integration.
Initiate a first contact with your team
Within the first week, it’s a good idea to meet the people on your team. Once you understand how your role supports the company’s mission, your feelings of belonging, purpose and job satisfaction will increase. The importance of a sense of belonging is especially recognized in times of telecommuting, when you only meet your peers through video calls. It is essential that you feel connected to the team and that you know that the entire team is working towards the same goals.
Fostering mutual aid at the heart of the team culture
Seek to introduce yourself to your team members as quickly as possible through your onboarding and integration program, even if it is done remotely. Some companies will schedule meetings in advance for their new employees. If you don’t have a meeting on your calendar in your first week on the job, don’t hesitate to ask for one.
A virtual meeting with your team within the first week of employment is the perfect time to get a feel for how your colleagues interact with each other, what a typical day looks like and how the company operates. Having weekly or bi-weekly team meetings to review current projects, talk about each other’s concerns and resolve potential issues is essential to building cohesion among staff. Also schedule frequent meetings with your manager. These should be an open space for you to discuss the company’s business expectations and talk about priorities and goals.
Mentoring or buddy programs
Having a mentor assigned to you is a great way for you to get guidance, advice and feedback. It is also an opportunity to explore the company’s culture and professional development habits in depth.
If several new employees start remotely at the same time, the buddy system that allows employees to learn and get to know the company together can be beneficial for everyone. By doing so, the company encourages learning and development, while creating a sense of unity, which is especially important for people who work from home.
Informal socialization
It is important to set aside times when the entire team can interact in contexts other than work. For example, virtual activities can be organized to celebrate new arrivals and departures, birthdays, etc. This type of socialization can be seen as a waste of time, but in reality, it is beneficial for everyone. When people get to know each other, communication between them becomes a breeze.
Now you are better equipped to start your new remote job. With the return to normalcy, organizations are implementing a hybrid work mode where employees split their time between home and the office. You will probably have the chance to rub shoulders with your new colleagues in your first days on the job. Don’t hesitate to contact your supervisor or co-workers with any questions you may have during the process or for any accommodations you may require.