With many of us now working from home, the way we onboard new members of the team is changing. This guide will help you to continue to hire & support the talent you need remotely.

The world of work may be different now, but there is no need for this to impact your hiring. There are numerous resources and technologies available to ensure you can continue to grow your team and meet your objectives. It’s important to remember that starting any new job comes with a certain degree of trepidation, and when you’re unable to meet your co-workers, or show up to the office to learn the ropes, it can be difficult to settle in and feel like a true member of the team. Utilising all the resources and channels available to you is key to ensuring your new members of staff feel fully supported and welcomed from day one.

The impact of Lockdown

The restrictions on work and travel continue to change in response to Covid19, and it looks like most of us will be working remotely for the foreseeable future. However remote working and the ‘gig economy’ were gaining popularity long before the pandemic, and while many of us may be adopting these new ways of working sooner, and on a larger scale than expected, there are key benefits.

Greater access to talent: remote working removes many geographical limitations as your hires no longer need to be based near your office. This greatly increases your pool of talent, which is particularly beneficial if you are seeking niche skill sets or high levels of experience.

The office is no longer ‘the hub’ of your business: The office environment has now taken a backseat, at least for a while, which gives you a great opportunity to promote other areas of the employee experience, like career development, progression and training, and your company culture.

The Interview process is changing for good: Now that the workforce has gone virtual, many candidates are enjoying the efficiency and convenience of interviewing on-line / via video, and it’s expected this method of interviewing will be here to stay well after lockdown ends. However, while this may be the preference among some of the workforce, it’s important to remember some candidates may not be as comfortable with this technology – be sure to have contingencies in place to support these individuals otherwise you could miss out on some exceptional professionals who can add real value to your company.

Communication is your secret weapon: Getting to grips with new systems and procedures is all the more difficult when your colleagues aren’t nearby to help. Ensuring managers and team members are regularly reaching out and remaining available and patient during the learning process will give your new hires the confidence to adapt quickly.

Is it wise to make offers in thecurrent climate?
It’s natural to have concerns about onboarding remotely. However, it’s important to remember that recent events will not last forever, and to look forward when making your hiring decisions.

What are your business objectives?
If you need specific skills or expertise in order to achieve your objectives, you’ll still need to hire these value-adding candidates to keep your company on track.

Are you at risk of skills shortages?
While the candidate pool may have widened, niche skills are still in short supply, and finding quality candidates who can hit the ground running can still be a challenge. If you’ve found the perfect candidate, it’s wise to make them an offer as soon as you can.

Keeping things face to face
Being able to see who you are speaking to is a crucial factor for building rapport and feeling more comfortable when communicating. When talking to potential candidates or new hires make sure you have your camera on and encourage them to do the same!