How employees are onboarded is a key determiner of workplace productivity, and research suggests that video is increasingly becoming central to the onboarding experience. 

A seminal survey by Glassdoor found that a strong onboarding process can improve new hire retention rates by 82% and productivity by 70%. Now that most onboarding processes are conducted remotely, enterprises need a clear, video-centric strategy to bring the same level of clarity, efficacy, and engagement that was once achieved face-to-face. Indeed, when asked about their preference for video interactions in their first few weeks of employment, here’s what new hires said: 

• 35% want to engage in a video interaction at least once a day 
• Over a quarter wanted video interactions 2-4 times a week
• Just 7% indicated their preference for fewer video 

As you reimagine your onboarding strategy for the new normal, the right video types and effective execution can help you get a headstart on improving new employee performance. Here are the 12 types of video you need to incorporate: 

1. Offering explainer video

A video explaining the exact nature of your company’s offering can help new hires reduce their ramp-up time. It should first delve into the entire range of products and services that the company provides — across subsidiaries and locations and then focus on the business units specific to the office that the employee has joined. Finally, the video should explain how the employee’s contribution adds to the offering’s value proposition. 

2. “The company journey so far” video

Typically, this part of the onboarding experience is conducted through PowerPoint presentations but this can reduce engagement, especially when viewed in a WFH environment. A “journey so far” video acts almost like an immersive biography of the company, right from inception up until the present day. It should illustrate the company’s growth trajectory, how and whom it has hired in the past, prestigious alumni, and vision for the future. 

3. Certification and compliance video

This is extremely helpful for new hires at large, ISO-certified organizations, regulated industries like healthcare or banks, and companies where compliance forms a key part of their product. Traditionally, information on certifications and compliance was available in an employee handbook, which is cumbersome to read in full and prone to errors. Reinventing this essential part of the onboarding process adds an element of engagement that makes sure the information is actually retained. 

4. CEO one-on-one video

This is an excellent add-on to the onboarding experience, making new hires feel like they are genuinely valued by the company’s leadership. It fosters a sense of loyalty early on, which translates into better communication and higher retention rates in the long term. In a WFH climate, CEO one-on-one videos must replace the usual office townhalls and leadership speech sessions that would greet a new employee. 

5. “Get to know the campus” video

Being able to navigate the office campus effectively, finding the right amenities, and availing of employee facilities without having to ask around can make a massive difference to the sense of belonging that a new hire feels. Now, with so many employees starting their first days from home, a “know the campus” video can prove reassuring and informative. They can also act as reusable assets to re-familiarize employees with the office layout once they return onsite. 

6. Key skills video

One of the top complaints among new hires (experienced by 25%) is that they did not receive enough information about the role before accepting the offer. A video outlining all the key skills expected from the employee makes goal-setting much easier. It allows new hires to obtain a clear understanding of the skills needed to do the job, any existing skill gaps, and how to go about addressing them. 

7. Interactive quiz video

Interactive quiz videos offer a massive opportunity to improve onboarding experiences, while also checking if the new hire has retained key information. When quiz videos are gamified, employees become doubly engaged, while also strengthening interpersonal bonds in a group onboarding setting. Interactive quiz videos should be kept short and simple, touching upon topics already covered. 

8. Etiquette and culture video

This type of onboarding video shares snapshots of the workplace behavior expected from an employee. It covers topics like formal/informal attire, diversity & tolerance, anti-sexual harassment training, engagement and culture events, and work-life balance. This video is instrumental in establishing the baseline for acceptable workplace behavior and how new hires can go about finding a culture fit. 

9. Group welcome video

38% of employees feel more welcome when onboarded in a group than when joining the company in an isolated setting. Unfortunately, the pandemic and WFH has made it impossible to hold onboarding events with large groups of new hires, which is why a group welcome video is so important. This could take place either as a video conference with multiple participants or as a series of video messages recorded by existing employees and the hire’s new colleagues. 

10. Personal employee story video

Unlike a group welcome video, this one is almost like a case study of an existing employee and their experience in the organization. It should capture how a company veteran once joined as a new hire, received organization support, flourished, grew, and achieved key professional and personal milestones. A personal story positions your company as a driver of purpose, not just a place to work. 

11. “Your goals for the next week” video

A goals video tells new hires exactly how they should apply their skills, and talks about the various non-work targets to accomplish. For instance, they might have to attend a specific number of meetings/virtual events, they might be assigned to a mentor, they might be provided with reading material, etc. When working from home, a goals video should be recorded by the direct manager. 

12. HR policies video

This is an area where employees are most likely to face teething troubles, and confusion around HR policies is often not addressed until several months into one’s tenure. Presenting information in a video format can enable transparency around topics like compensation breakdown, employee benefits, taxation, and leave policies, dramatically simplifying the employee experience. 

These 12 ideas can serve as inspiration when designing your onboarding strategy for the 2021-2022 fiscal, with a focus on remote work. At kPoint, we are committed to providing cutting-edge video management services and solutions that help you drive engagement, capture key insights and improve the onboarding experience, benefitting both employees and the organization. 

To see how kPoint can help you streamline your company’s remote employee onboarding processes within your organization, contact us today to request a personalized demo.