Why Onboarding Matters in the New Era of Hybrid Working
The world of work has changed dramatically in recent years. Hybrid working has become the norm, and companies now compete for talent on a global scale. Gone are the days when geography restricted your hiring pool. While this opens exciting opportunities to hire the best and brightest, it also means you’re competing against employers worldwide. To stand out, businesses must deliver a seamless and engaging candidate experience—starting from the moment someone applies to the day they join your team.
Effective onboarding is more than just an HR process; it’s the first impression new hires get of your organisation’s culture, values, and operations. A strong onboarding programme doesn’t just help new employees settle in—it also boosts retention, productivity, and job satisfaction. Videos are a game-changer in achieving these goals.
Research: The Benefits of Better Candidate Outreach
Research consistently shows that better candidate outreach leads to improved recruitment outcomes. According to Glassdoor, organisations with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%. Similarly, LinkedIn reports that companies that prioritise the candidate experience are twice as likely to improve their employer brand.
Poor onboarding, on the other hand, can have serious consequences. A study by SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management) found that 20% of employee turnover occurs within the first 45 days of employment. The main reasons cited? A lack of clarity, engagement, and connection.
By investing in better outreach and onboarding strategies, businesses can reduce attrition, improve job satisfaction, and set employees up for long-term success.
Candidate Outreach Strategies: Beyond Traditional Methods
A great onboarding experience begins with excellent candidate outreach. One standout method is using onboarding videos to make a memorable first impression. Start with a warm introductory video from leadership, where your CEO or senior managers share the company’s mission, values, and goals. This sets the tone for what new hires can expect and helps them feel part of something meaningful.
Practical onboarding videos can include an office tour, an overview of essential tools and software, and a guide to workplace policies and benefits. Highlighting team members they’ll work with fosters connection before their first day. For example, a “day-in-the-life” video tailored to their role can set clear expectations and reduce first-day jitters. For remote teams, videos demonstrating virtual collaboration tools and processes are invaluable in helping new hires integrate smoothly.
Videos in these strategies not only grab attention but also humanise your brand and make candidates feel valued before they even step through the door (or log in remotely).
How Video Can Play a Role Across the Onboarding Process
Video can enhance every stage of the onboarding journey, from the initial touchpoint to helping new hires feel at home. Here’s how it can make an impact:
- Awareness: Use videos to introduce your company and its mission, showcasing your culture through employee testimonials and behind-the-scenes content. These videos help potential candidates see what makes your organisation unique.
- Application: Video job descriptions provide a more engaging way to explain roles, responsibilities, and expectations. A hiring manager or team member can share insights about the position, making the opportunity more relatable.
- Interview: Create an animated video that explains the interview process, including timelines, key steps, and tips for success. This helps candidates feel more prepared and confident.
- Candidate Devoted Website: Host a dedicated portal featuring videos about your company’s values, teams, and day-to-day operations. Include FAQs or “meet the team” videos for added engagement.
- Pre-Start Welcome Videos: Send a personalised welcome video from leadership or the new hire’s manager to build excitement and connection before day one.
- Mandatory and Induction Training: Create engaging training videos covering workplace policies, compliance, and essential tools. These ensure consistency and reduce the burden of repeating information.
- Internal Communications: Use video to keep new hires updated on company news, team updates, or upcoming events. This fosters a sense of inclusion and helps them integrate smoothly.
- Others: Highlight role-specific processes, collaboration tools, or soft skill development through video content. For example, a video on using project management software can reduce learning curves.
How to Implement Video Outreach and Onboarding Strategies
Getting started with video doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are practical steps to build your strategy:
- Start Small: Begin with one or two simple videos, such as a welcome message or a video job description. These don’t require elaborate production and can often be filmed with a smartphone.
- Measure Success: Use analytics to track the performance of your videos. Metrics like views, engagement rates, and feedback can provide valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t.
- Gather Feedback: Ask new hires for their input on your onboarding videos. Did they find them helpful? Was anything unclear? Use this feedback to refine your content.
- Iterate and Adapt: As you gather data and feedback, evolve your video strategy. Experiment with new formats, such as animation or live-action, and explore additional uses for video in your onboarding process.
- Collaborate with Teams: Work closely with HR, marketing, and leadership to ensure your videos reflect your company’s voice and values. This collaboration ensures consistency and quality across all content.
Final Thoughts
In today’s competitive job market, onboarding is a critical opportunity to set your company apart. By leveraging video as part of your candidate outreach and onboarding strategy, you can create a memorable first impression, foster strong connections, and set the stage for long-term success. Start small, learn as you go, and build a process that highlights your company’s unique culture and values. Remember, a thoughtful and engaging onboarding experience doesn’t just benefit new hires—it’s an investment in your organisation’s future.
