Just a decade ago, most of us would’ve never thought that we’d be onboarding new hires while in our pajamas. The way we work has changed dramatically. With remote work exploding, onboarding has become a whole different ball game. And guess what? IT is leading the change!
Let’s explore the hottest trends in remote onboarding for 2025.
1. Ditch the 90-Day Onboarding: Continuous Onboarding Is the New Black
At one point, onboarding remote employees involved a one-week combination of paperwork and icebreakers. Some companies have ditched that overly lengthy process. In fact, statistics say that at least 25% of companies in the U.S. spend less than one day on onboarding!
The truth is that ongoing onboarding is more important than thrusting employees into their roles. Think of it as a long-term relationship.
We’re talking about constant support, training updates, and keeping those new hires engaged long after the initial welcome period. Why? Engaged employees are more motivated and more productive, which means there’s a natural tendency for them to help the company thrive.
2. AI-Driven, User-Friendly Onboarding
If we’re being real, some remote onboarding systems are about as user-friendly as a dial-up modem. And nobody wants their new hires to feel like they’ve been hired by a company from the ‘90s.
Harvard Business Review has broken down the numbers: 32% find onboarding confusing, while 22% describe it as disorganized. That’s a pretty frustrating first impression.
AI-driven onboarding systems can completely change this. These bad boys are intuitive and personalized and can even predict what a new hire needs before they even know they need it! Imagine chatbots answering questions 24/7, automated workflows that take care of the boring stuff, and a seamless digital experience that makes everyone feel like a tech whiz.
Automate Your Onboarding in 2025
3. Training, Training, and More Training! (Especially for Remote Folks)
Remote workers can sometimes feel a bit lost. And it’s no surprise, given that employers hire valuable employees only to leave them untrained. After all, no one wants to start a new job and feel underprepared right before they have to take on an important role.
63% of remote workers feel they have less training than they require. Because of this, some even report feeling confused, disoriented, and disconnected from the company mission.
That’s why beefing up training is so important, especially for remote employees. Incorporating interactive virtual sessions, online learning platforms with personalized content, and ongoing support can all make them feel like part of the team. In the best-case scenario, imagine a virtual reality training program where new hires can experience a day in the life of their role, all from the comfort of their own home.
4. Pre-Boarding: Don’t Leave Your New Hires Hanging!
Ever accepted a job and then…crickets? No communication, no info, just radio silence. That’s a recipe for second thoughts and lost talent. It’s like getting engaged and then not hearing from your partner until the wedding day. Awkward!
Pre-boarding provides security and acknowledgment even before the first day. This could be in the form of welcome packages with company swag, access to online resources and introductory videos, robust device delivery and deployment, and maybe even a virtual coffee chat with their new team. It keeps new hires excited and engaged, and it shows you care.
5. The Best of Both Worlds
Hybrid-remote work has gained traction already, and that’s because it strikes a balance between office life and remote flexibility. It’s a great way to help in-person connections and company culture-building thrive. At the same time, you’re still able to foster the autonomy that many employees crave. The problem lies in supporting that hybrid structure effectively.
In a hybrid-remote setup, IT infrastructure management and IT automation software are your allies. To help you support a fully hybrid workforce, these tools ensure seamless connectivity and keep everyone productive, whether they’re in the office or on a mountaintop (with a good internet connection, of course).
Infrastructure management also includes cloud-based solutions, collaboration platforms, IT asset management, and automated security protocols. Keep these in place, and you’ll keep your data safe and systems running smoothly.
But here’s the best part: remote and hybrid work models aren’t just good for employees, they’re good for the planet. Reduced commuting means less carbon emissions, and digital onboarding processes save tons of paper.
The future of remote onboarding is all about continuous support, user-friendly tech, and making everyone feel welcome, no matter where they work.
Ready to improve your remote onboarding (or even offboarding) processes? Do it the Dots way—automated, time-saving, and professional. Book a demo with us today.
