Not all industries can afford to halt their hiring plans due to COVID-19, and for some companies, hiring is absolutely essential right now. Virtual recruiting and onboarding has quickly become a new way of working.

Hiring a new employee can be complex enough without the added intricacies of managing a process remotely - but don’t worry, there are a few simple guidelines to follow that make the process as stress-free as possible.

INTRODUCTIONS MATTER

When bringing at-home workers onto the team, it is important to offer a warm welcome from you and your company, even if it cannot be done face-to-face.

Beginning a new job can be a nervy experience, even more so when the process is being managed remotely. You don’t want an employee to feel isolated. Traditionally they would be shown around the office and assimilate naturally with co-workers. Perhaps a welcome aboard lunch was usually organised with their team also.

Be sure to find the time to make introductions between your new worker and the team via video chat. Putting faces to names will really help a new employee settle into the working environment.

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA

Why not take that little extra step and send out a welcome package filled with any branded stationary a new employee would usually receive when in the office? Pens, coffee mugs, paper weights, etc. It is a small, inexpensive gesture that can go a long way in helping your employee feel welcome. A quick personal note in the welcome package can be a nice touch as well.

OUT OF SIGHT, NOT OUT OF MIND

Regular video calls, group messaging, and even quick phone calls will help your new employee feel included and make the transition process much smoother.

Make it clear that your virtual door is always open and they are welcome to contact you at any time, whether it be email, video, phone or text, if appropriate.

VIRTUAL WELCOME BUDDY

It may sound obvious, but assigning your new employee a designated experienced colleague to be an easy contact and a virtual mentor can prove very effective. We have all been there as a new employee, coming up against simple obstacles that we just don’t want to bother our manager with. Make the onboarding process easier on everyone’s workload by offering your new employee a friendly face for a period of time so they don’t sweat the small stuff. It is also more productive to have a simple query answered quickly, than a new employee spending a long time trying to work it out for themselves.

VIRTUAL SIGNATURE

Long gone are the days of handwritten signatures being the only legal way to sign a document. Be sure to investigate digital services like DocuSign and HelloSign to use as required for any paperwork or documentation needed in their new role.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Lastly, remember that everyone’s experience of working during this pandemic will be different, so it’s important to remain empathetic and try to be understanding.

It’s understandable to feel added stress right now and we should all remember that when managing our remote teams at this time.

To speak with a specialist consultant, contact Armont Recruitment on +353 1 556 3399 or hello@armont.ie