Many businesses found the transition to virtual onboarding during a pandemic highly uncomfortable, mostly because they found themselves in this position not by their own choice, and without the ideal tools and resources to implement the strategy.

 

If virtual onboarding was something that might have become normative in the future, there’s no doubt it was accelerated by recent circumstances – and some may even be having second thoughts about its viability. But there are undoubted advantages to virtual onboarding, some of them as yet unrealised.

Video training

Through the gift of editing, for example, video training resources can be more heavily tailored to giving new recruits the exact kind of messages you want to portray for your business. It may take trial and error, but using virtual onboarding largely cuts out the subtle errors that can happen during live in-person training. You have more initial control over your image.

Cost savings

Virtual onboarding is also a cost effective option, with travel costs and possible venue hire taken out of the equation. You don’t even need to worry about paying for extra heating in an office building or front-of-house security when everyone can just be trained from the comfort of their own homes.

Quality and consistency

Consistency becomes less of an issue when onboarding virtually, especially when using recorded material. Little inconveniences like a fire alarm going off always tend to happen in an office building and can cause huge setbacks during a day’s training. Video material helps new recruits learn at their own pace as well without fear of getting left behind in a large group, though others can find this virtual process a more difficult learning experience if they feel it isn’t tailored with them in mind.

Global integration

An increasingly global work environment and culture speaks for itself when it comes to one of the core benefits of virtual onboarding. Some of your company’s employees may be based in different locations, or even in other parts of the world, and the advent of virtual learning means they aren’t excluded from taking part in the onboarding process. This can be an inspirational process for new recruits and help show them the full scope of your company’s outlook.

How virtual onboarding can support your recruitment strategy

Utilised correctly, virtual onboarding tools and processes can be much more of a beneficial experience than a hindrance – you just need the right systems and software in place to make it work for you.

Experienced recruitment professionals like our team at Blue Octopus can point you in the right direction and ensure you get the best value from virtual onboarding. To find out more about our software, managed services, and virtual onboarding solutions, please get in touch.

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