Onboarding is a critical stage in integrating new employees into a company’s culture and operational workflow. As businesses continue to digitize and adapt to remote work conditions, the use of training videos for onboarding has become increasingly prevalent. But how do you ensure that these videos are effective and serve their purpose? Let’s delve into the right way to do onboarding with training videos.
1. Define Your Objectives
Before creating any content, pinpoint what you want the new hire to learn from each video. Whether it’s company values, software tutorials, or workplace protocols, having a clear objective ensures the video remains focused and provides value.
2. Keep It Engaging
A training video doesn’t have to be a monotonous lecture. Use animations, real-life scenarios, or even humor where appropriate to keep the viewer engaged. An engaged employee is more likely to retain information.
3. Segment the Content
Instead of creating one long video that covers all aspects of onboarding, break it down into smaller, digestible segments. This modular approach allows new hires to process information at their own pace and revisit sections if needed.
4. Blend with Interactive Elements
Where possible, integrate quizzes, feedback forms, or interactive scenarios to make the learning experience more dynamic. This not only tests the employee’s understanding but also reinforces the learning.
5. Prioritize Mobile Accessibility
With many people using smartphones for work-related tasks, ensure that your training videos are mobile-friendly. This allows new hires to access content on-the-go, during commutes, or in environments outside of the traditional office.
6. Incorporate Real Employees
Use real employees in the videos to give them a personal touch. Seeing peers explain processes or share experiences can make the content more relatable and authentic.
7. Update Regularly
Business processes, software, and even company culture can evolve. Make it a point to revisit and update your training videos regularly to ensure they remain relevant and accurate.
8. Gather Feedback
Once the new hire has gone through the videos, gather feedback. Find out what they found useful, what was lacking, or any suggestions for improvement. This feedback loop ensures continuous refinement of the onboarding process.
9. Integrate with Other Onboarding Processes
While training videos are powerful, they should be a part of a holistic onboarding strategy. Integrate them with hands-on training sessions, one-on-one meetings, and other onboarding processes for a comprehensive approach.
10. Monitor and Assess Progress
Using platforms that allow you to track video views, engagement rates, and quiz results can provide insights into how well the new employee is grasping the content. This can guide any additional support or training that might be required.
Conclusion
Onboarding with training videos, when done right, can significantly enhance the new hire experience, accelerate their learning curve, and integrate them seamlessly into the company culture. Remember to keep content engaging, up-to-date, and always be receptive to feedback for the most effective onboarding video strategy.
