What is online onboarding?
Online onboarding is the process of integrating new employees into a company through a virtual platform. It involves the use of various digital tools and resources to help new employees understand the company culture, policies, procedures and job requirements. The goal of online onboarding is to effectively and efficiently integrate new employees into the company
At ENBOQ, we facilitate online onboarding with a customized interactive story or several stories that allow new employees to truly experience your history, future and core values
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What options are there for online employee onboarding?
There are several options for online employee onboarding, for example:
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- Virtual tours: through the use of video conferencing or live stream technology, new employees have the opportunity to learn about the company and the work environment.
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- Digital introduction: a digital introduction video explaining key aspects of the company, such as its mission, vision and corporate culture. This can also be done through a presentation.
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- Online training programs: create online training programs where new employees can learn about business processes, systems and procedures. In doing so, they gain the key skills and knowledge needed to perform their jobs.
Advantages of online onboarding
There are several reasons why online onboarding is becoming increasingly popular. Here are some of the benefits:
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- Flexibility: online onboarding allows new employees to work and onboard remotely. This is especially useful if there are multiple offices, or if the new employee cannot be physically present at the office.
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- Efficiency: using digital tools and technology can speed up and simplify the onboarding process. For example, new employees can attend online training programs and watch digital introductory videos, which saves time.
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- Cost savings: online onboarding can save costs by reducing the need for paperwork, printing and physical materials. It also reduces the need to travel for training sessions or meetings.
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- Consistency: a standardized online onboarding program ensures consistency in the information given and in the way it is given. This helps to ensure that all new employees are onboarded the same way and gain the same basic skills and knowledge.
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- Safety: In some cases, online onboarding can be safer than in-person onboarding, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. By maintaining physical distance, the spread of the virus could be reduced.
All in all, online onboarding offers benefits and can be an effective way to introduce new employees to their new position and to the company in an efficient, consistent and secure manner
Disadvantages of online onboarding
In addition to the advantages, there are also several disadvantages to onboarding new employees online, including:
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- Limited interaction: online onboarding limits personal interaction between the new employee and the rest of the team. This can make it harder for the new employee to feel comfortable and adapt quickly to the company culture.
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- Technical issues: online onboarding requires technology and a good Internet connection. If the technology does not work properly, there may be problems in training the new employee. This can lead to delays in the onboarding process and additional stress for the new employee.
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- Limited opportunities to ask questions: during online onboarding, it may be more difficult for new employees to ask questions. This can cause them to miss important information or not feel fully understood.
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- Restricted social interaction: online onboarding can reduce the social aspect of work, as the new employee cannot meet in person with their colleagues and other employees of the company. This can lead to feelings of isolation and lack of commitment to the company.
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- Lack of engagement: online onboarding can make new employees feel less engaged with the company. This can lead to lower productivity and higher staff turnover.
All in all, then, online onboarding of new employees can also have drawbacks. It is important to acknowledge these disadvantages and try to reduce them whenever possible
Conclusive: online employee onboarding, yes or no?
In general, online employee onboarding can be effective if planned and executed properly. However, there are some drawbacks to online onboarding, such as limiting personal interaction and reducing social interaction and engagement with the company
Our tip: ENBOQ combines the advantages of online onboarding and has overcome the disadvantages in its concept. It encourages interaction, uses user-friendly technology and offers the opportunity to explore story with colleagues. Not for nothing do ENBOQ users rate the product with a generous 8!