{"id":9108,"date":"2021-01-21T11:45:18","date_gmt":"2021-01-21T11:45:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vfairs.wpengine.com\/?p=9108"},"modified":"2022-05-13T10:08:35","modified_gmt":"2022-05-13T10:08:35","slug":"how-to-develop-a-virtual-onboarding-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-a-virtual-onboarding-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"How to develop a virtual onboarding plan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the chaos of managing remote teams has mellowed down, companies have started to realize the valuable role virtual platforms play in forming connections and enabling seamless communication between employers and their employees.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, managing an existing team is one thing, but it is a completely different ball game when it comes to onboarding new hires. Whether you have entirely shifted to a work-from-home approach or operate in multiple regions and would like to have a unified space to onboard new team members, a well-designed <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/solutions\/virtual-onboarding-fair\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">virtual onboarding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> program will make this process simpler and more effective than traditional, time consuming procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9115\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/tired-african-american-employee-working-project_74855-1662-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"new hire attending a virtual onboarding program on laptop\" width=\"934\" height=\"622\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/tired-african-american-employee-working-project_74855-1662-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/tired-african-american-employee-working-project_74855-1662.jpg 626w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 934px) 100vw, 934px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, of course, if you\u2019re used to in-person onboarding, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/solutions\/virtual-onboarding-fair\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">virtual onboarding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may feel intimidating at first, but when done right, we assure you that it\u2019s a game changer when it comes to your HR process, as well as the new hires\u2019 experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might also be interested to read: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/6-reasons-why-you-need-a-virtual-onboarding-fair-to-train-new-employees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6 reasons why your organization needs a virtual onboarding fair<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9114\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/smiling-businessman-headphones-looking-laptop-screen_1163-5436-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"new hire writing notes from virtual onboarding sessions on laptop\" width=\"928\" height=\"618\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/smiling-businessman-headphones-looking-laptop-screen_1163-5436-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/smiling-businessman-headphones-looking-laptop-screen_1163-5436.jpg 626w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 928px) 100vw, 928px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article will walk you through the entire process of onboarding employees using an online platform.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Give a warm welcome<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first thing that every organization should offer to new employees is a very warm welcome. Employees, especially when working remotely, usually have no clue of what to expect, or where to go on day one. Send them a welcome email and don\u2019t forget to attach a starter\u2019s pack along with that. A starter\u2019s pack may include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meeting links and details based on introductory sessions with line managers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check-in arrangements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A welcome video consisting of current employees.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Company swag.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Checklist of provided equipment such as laptop, headphones, and so on.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/young-african-american-manager-with-stubble-sitting-front-open-laptop-wearing-earphones-while-having-video-conference-call-with-business-partners_231208-690-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"new employee meeting the team during virtual onboarding\" width=\"996\" height=\"664\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/young-african-american-manager-with-stubble-sitting-front-open-laptop-wearing-earphones-while-having-video-conference-call-with-business-partners_231208-690-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/young-african-american-manager-with-stubble-sitting-front-open-laptop-wearing-earphones-while-having-video-conference-call-with-business-partners_231208-690-1.jpg 626w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 996px) 100vw, 996px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<strong>2. <\/strong><\/span><b>Focus on employer branding<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It sounds odd to mention this after talent has been hired, right? Well, to be honest, this is one of the most crucial steps that a lot of companies seem to ignore.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New hires, from their very first day, are seeking validation towards their decision to work for you. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/learning.linkedin.com\/content\/dam\/me\/learning\/EMW\/lil-guide-leverage-learning-onboard-top-talent.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">33% of employees know whether they want to stay long-term at a company within one week on the job.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> So, a negative onboarding experience may result in new hires being more likely to look for other opportunities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highlighting company successes can help emotionally charge new employees. Talking about accomplishments at an organizational, as well as at employees\u2019 level, will not only make them proud of where they work but will also motivate them to jump right into it, and make their contributions loud and clear.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9112\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/businesspeople-celebrating-success_1098-1996-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"corporate team raising hands and celebrating success\" width=\"1034\" height=\"689\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/businesspeople-celebrating-success_1098-1996-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/businesspeople-celebrating-success_1098-1996.jpg 626w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1034px) 100vw, 1034px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Don\u2019t forget to emphasize on the culture<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everything you incorporate into your virtual onboarding program should reflect your company\u2019s culture. It is important to showcase the values and attitudes that define your company, beyond just talking about it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Especially for remote teams, it is important for them to understand the company\u2019s roots. Activities and videos can help create a sense of belonging from a very early stage. This will therefore develop the desired attitude towards their work, colleagues, as well as clients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9111\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/business-man-owner-company-office_1303-15851-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"owner representing company culture\" width=\"988\" height=\"658\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/business-man-owner-company-office_1303-15851-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/business-man-owner-company-office_1303-15851.jpg 626w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 988px) 100vw, 988px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>4. Schedule time for introductions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/solutions\/virtual-onboarding-fair\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">virtual onboarding fair<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an easy and effective way to help new hires explore different employee programs that your company offers. They can simply visit virtual booths and attend webinars outlining the company\u2019s mission, vision, values, departments and overall hierarchy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the help of a virtual onboarding fair, you can in fact ensure your new hires are informed and energized for the role they have been assigned.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"main-cta\">\n<div class=\"container-cta\">\n<h3>Considering a virtual onboarding fair?<\/h3>\n<p>vFairs Can Help<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/contact-us\/?mode=demo\">Schedule a Demo<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9116\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/smartmockups_kk6qpont-300x210.jpg\" alt=\"vFairs landing page on laptop\" width=\"964\" height=\"674\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/smartmockups_kk6qpont-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/smartmockups_kk6qpont-1024x717.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/smartmockups_kk6qpont-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/smartmockups_kk6qpont.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 964px) 100vw, 964px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Assignment of tasks<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a new hire, he or she will be looking forward to the \u2018real work\u2019. Make sure your onboarding pack consists of necessary training modules for new hires. Alternatively, assign relevant tasks to make sure employees are comfortable and confident using the methods and approaches in terms of responsibilities that they are to be handed over.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9110\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/multiethnic-team-collaborating-project_74855-2069-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"team helping new hire with virtual onboarding \" width=\"992\" height=\"661\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/multiethnic-team-collaborating-project_74855-2069-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/multiethnic-team-collaborating-project_74855-2069.jpg 626w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 992px) 100vw, 992px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Turn it into a social experience<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fact that your activities are all taking place online, you need to make sure your new hires don\u2019t lose out on the human element of the company. Set up sessions and invite new employees to mingle with existing teams outside of work meetings. You can do so by organizing weekly\/fortnightly virtual happy hours to make sure people don\u2019t feel isolated right at the beginning, and can experience the culture in its true form.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9109\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/smiling-team-having-informal-meeting-with-pizza_1262-1172-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"colleagues having lunch together\" width=\"947\" height=\"631\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/smiling-team-having-informal-meeting-with-pizza_1262-1172-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/smiling-team-having-informal-meeting-with-pizza_1262-1172.jpg 626w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 947px) 100vw, 947px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. Take it for a test drive<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you\u2019re all set with activities, tasks, and sessions that make up a formal virtual onboarding process, it\u2019s time to do a test run to ensure smooth operations. After all, you don\u2019t want to set a bad impression, or leave your new hires hanging in the middle of a poorly planning onboarding process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Next Steps<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re living in the year 2021, just like the rest of us, it is most likely that the first contact you had with your new hire was virtual in nature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an employer, the responsibility that began from hiring, has now moved on to settling in your new employees and equipping them with a strong understanding of the workplace operations &#8211; this is a foundation you set for them to build onto.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- Small Snippet Code Start--><\/p>\n<div class=\"small-cta\">\n<div class=\"container-cta\">\n<div class=\"cta-flex\">\n<h4>Want to know more about vFairs? Book a demo now.<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/contact-us\/?mode=demo\">Request Demo<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the chaos of managing remote teams has mellowed down, companies have started to realize&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":9123,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9108","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9108","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9108"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9108\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9108"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9108"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vfairs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9108"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}