One of my coaching clients recently landed the job of his dreams. When I checked in with him about 3 months into his new role, he was still glowing about his reception and onboarding process, especially as a hybrid employee. Because so many leaders today are finding themselves leading remote and hybrid teams, I asked him to comment on what his new organization and leaders did to make this experience so memorable.
Here’s what he said:
They had me at day one:
“From the minute I was contacted by recruiting and during the interview process, I felt valued and respected by the incredible HR team. Their responses to my questions were within 24 hrs., and I was provided with answers to questions I hadn’t even thought of yet. It was as if they could read my mind. Feeling valued as a human being right off the bat was a game-changer for me.”
Awesome onboarding plan:
“They laid out this killer onboarding plan that totally matched my role. I got to dig into what the company stands for, its goals, and how my role fuels this vision. I was clear on my purpose and immediately felt a sense of how I am making a difference.”
Virtual intros that mattered:
“Even though I joined remotely, in my first week I got to meet several awesome people from different departments through super cool virtual intros. The sessions were interactive and fun, letting me see what everyone does, I made some meaningful connections right at the start and felt like I totally fit in.”
Best-ever buddy program:
"As a hybrid employee, I can't emphasize enough how much the buddy program has been a game-changer during my onboarding journey. Having a seasoned colleague by my side right from the start has been like having a secret weapon. The buddy program not only accelerated my learning curve but also made me feel like I'm part of a close-knit team from day one.
So why is all this so significant, you might wonder? Well, for hybrid employees, the initial experience that sets the tone for their entire journey is greatly magnified. The worst fear of hybrid and remote employees is sensing they are left out, isolated, and neglected. Feeling welcomed, valued, and supported right from the start not only boosts morale but also drives productivity. It fosters a sense of belonging that transcends physical boundaries.
My client’s onboarding experience shows that the success of hybrid work isn't just about the work itself; it's about the experience that comes with it. It's about making every employee, whether remote or in-person, feel like an integral part of the team. It's about setting the stage for collaboration, growth, and industry impact.
Let's make hybrid work a resounding success!
Dr. Merrylue Martin is President and CEO of the Job Joy Group and best-selling author of the Big Quit Survival Guide. To learn more, visit www.JobJoyGroup.com and connect on LinkedIn.
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