While there are many advantages to hiring remote employees, there are certain things you must consider to maximize the productivity of these hires. Due to the lack of connectivity that comes with 100% remote teams, the importance of effective onboarding cannot be overstated.

In this article, Magic Pace delves into best practices for properly onboarding remote employees that increase productivity and retention rates. From creating a welcoming virtual environment to establishing accountability measures, discover how to set your remote team members up for success. 

Create a Human Resources hub 

Since remote employees can’t visit the office to meet with your Human Resources department, you should create an online hub that houses critical information. This online hub should include details on company policies like attendance, leave, and conduct. On top of outlining payroll setup and tax paperwork, it should give detailed explanations of fringe benefits like healthcare, retirement plans, and vacation days. 

Supply new hires with hardware and online services  

Since remote employees are 100% reliant on technology for work, it is essential to get them set up with requisite hardware and cloud-based services immediately. If you plan on issuing your new employee a computer, be sure it is in the mail well before their start date. 

Have your IT team contact your remote employee directly to provide passwords and necessary access. Not only do team members need access to your company email, but they will have to set up accounts with online services like Zoom, Slack, and Google Workspace. To keep the ball rolling, it's a good idea to have a member of your IT team on standby to help out during the earliest days of onboarding. 

Discuss scheduling and accountability   

Once your new hire is set up with your HR department and IT team, it's time to get down to the brass tacks of the position. A great starting point is having a thorough discussion of important topics like work schedules, team meetings, monthly milestones, and accountability measures. 

Getting ahead of workflow-related topics can help avoid any potential confusion moving forward. When your new team member knows exactly when all your weekly meetings are and knows the workflow within your organization, it will make the onboarding process go quicker, while also boosting productivity. 

Give a warm welcome from the team   

While you may never meet your remote employees in person, it’s still important they feel connected to your organization. That being said, taking the time to set up a group video call with other team members is a great way to foster inclusivity and boost morale. Once your new hire feels connected to your business, it will go a long way in building trust and establishing loyalty. 

Create a 30/60/90 training & productivity plan   

To keep things moving in the right direction, be sure and offer support well beyond the initial training period. Consider developing a 30/60/90-day plan outlining actionable tasks and regular quals for each period. Moreover, you should schedule regular meetings with your remote employee to answer questions and offer feedback. Developing an open line of communication is one of the best ways to ensure a productive and healthy relationship with your new hire.