Remote Onboarding Like a Pro: How to Fix Common Mistakes

Remote onboarding is usually a hot mess if you don’t have a plan. And it hurts you, your company and your bottom line.

Hi, my name is Mitka and I’ve made a fair share of onboarding mistakes at my marketing agency: no process, too many calls, unclear expectations... You name it.

But I’ve learned my lesson, and today, I’ll summarize the biggest learnings along the way - so you don’t repeat them (hopefully!).

This article is also available as a video on our YouTube channel:

First, let’s draft a list of things you should avoid like the plague they are…

No onboarding process at all.

Assuming people will figure things out on their own? Bad idea. Yes, there will be a few exceptions, but in general, people expect some form of guidance. The worst-case scenario? Your company doesn’t have any onboarding practices AND there’s no one to assist new employees.

Overloading with calls.

I used to spend weeks on marathon video calls, trying to replicate an in-office experience. It was not an optimal solution.

Time tracking.

Tried it, dropped it. It created more stress than productivity.

Vague expectations.

If you don’t set clear expectations about communication, work ethic, and onboarding speed, you’ll have to fix problems later.

Now that we’ve cleared the air, here’s what actually makes remote onboarding smooth and effective…

Have a structured roadmap.

Give new hires a step-by-step guide with realistic timelines. Let them know what they should accomplish in week one, month one, and beyond.

Create a centralized knowledge base.

A Notion Wiki, SOPs, and client info allow them to get started independently and refer back to key resources whenever needed.

Check-in, but don’t micromanage.

A couple of short calls each week to answer questions and align expectations are far more effective than hours of training sessions.

Be clear on expectations.

From communication style to project deadlines, make everything explicit from day one.

Encourage questions and feedback.

If something doesn’t make sense, they should feel comfortable asking. And if they see a better way to do something, let them speak up. Assigning an onboarding buddy is a great way to ensure they learn to value your time as well.

Remote onboarding shouldn’t be about throwing people in the deep end or overwhelming them with calls. With structure, clarity, and support everyone gets off on a better footing - and it shows. Get this right, and your new hires will feel welcome, engaged, and ready to contribute fast!

PS. There's a lil’ marketing treat at the link below!