2020 is the year of remote working. Countless businesses have switched to this working for a number of reasons, mostly related to the coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic. Some businesses want to reduce operating costs throughout the economic crisis and can shed a lot of expenses by cutting out commercial rent, overheads and more. Some need to work remotely to abide by government guidelines surrounding social isolation and social distancing. Either way, chances are you’re going to have to make a fair few changes to the way your business works. One is recruitment. So many of us have protocol to introducing new team members on a face to face basis in a commercial premises. But what should you do to enroll a new team member when nobody can see them in person? Here’s a run through that should help you!

Welcome Them to the Team

Generally speaking, it’s best to get started by welcoming them to the team with a video call. This will give them a warm welcome where they don’t feel lost and can see a friendly face. Sitting behind a screen without knowing anyone or knowing what to do can be pretty alienating. Make sure their main contacts are going to be in the meeting too - for example, managers, partners or teammates. This can help to familiarise them with others they will be working with.

Give Them Necessary Contact Details

You should also make sure that you give the new staff members all of the contact details they might need. This could include email address of other staff members, contact details for IT support and Cloud Services and more. This will ensure they can take initiative and contact whoever they need themselves rather than having to always message back and forth for contact details.

Ensuring They Know Basic Information

There will be basic information each employee should know, for example, how to book time off, when they will be paid and other information that will prove essential in day to day work. Create a booklet that will inform them of everything they need to know!

Advising What Software to Download

You should advise your new staff on any software they need to use regularly for their work. Provide links, access details and any other details they need to gain access to the programmes and apps they need.

Giving Links to All Necessary Documents

There are likely to be online documents that your staff will need access to too! This could include their calendar, drives where they need to save their work and more. This should all be set up and ready to go before they start, so the induction can be as seamless as possible.

Sure, introducing new staff to your business may be pretty different to how your recruitment and onboarding process usually looks. But the changes are essential to give your new employee the best start possible in the company!