Remote onboarding isn’t just about sending a new hire a laptop. It’s about building connection, engagement, and confidence from day one. Without an office or “water cooler” moments, new hires can feel isolated or disconnected from their team. They may even begin to question where they fit in the organization.

Best Practices for Remote Onboarding

I’ve experienced these challenges firsthand at a former job. When remote work became the new norm seemingly overnight, we had to quickly adapt our onboarding process. Our goal was simple: give remote employees the same engaging onboarding experience as in-person hires. But honestly, I quickly realized that onboarding remote employees felt more difficult than onboarding employees in the office.

So, we devised a plan that worked for us. Here are 5 practices to start today to engage with your remote new hires.

5 Remote Onboarding Best Practices That Actually WorkRemote Onboarding: How to Build Connection Without an Office

Start Before Day 1: Send a welcome message, video, or onboarding materials early to build connection and reduce first-day stress.
Assign a Buddy: Give new hires a go-to person (not their manager) to ask questions and build relationships. Let the buddy know the important role they play in onboarding!
Provide a Clear Plan: Outline what the first week and first 30–60 days should look like so employees know exactly what to focus on. Schedule key meetings for them, so they connect with the right people within their first weeks, not months.
Create Personal Touchpoints: Be intentional with small gestures, like a lunch gift card or casual check-ins. Send out a welcome email letting the team know all about your new hire and encourage them to reach out and say hello.
Build in Consistency: Schedule regular check-ins and milestones so nothing falls through the cracks. Create those water cooler moments virtually to ensure you don’t fall for the “out of sight, out of mind” trap.

Why Remote Onboarding Fails

Remote onboarding isn’t failing because companies don’t care. It’s failing because it’s inconsistent. Some new hires get a great experience. Others are left figuring things out on their own. And without in-person connection, that disconnect shows up fast.

More than ever, onboarding becomes a team sport. If you don’t have a consistent and intentional onboarding plan for your remote employees, you may be showing them the door.

Ready to Improve Your Onboarding?

If your onboarding process feels inconsistent, it probably is. And that inconsistency is costing you retention.

Upboard helps you deliver a consistent, structured onboarding experience—without the manual work.

👉 Email [email protected] to see how Upboard can help you build a better onboarding experience.