Revolutionize Onboarding: Unleash the Power of Video to Ignite New Hires’ Success

Introduction

Onboarding is a critical process in any organization that sets the tone for new employees’ success and integration into the company culture. Traditionally, onboarding has been a time-consuming and often ineffective process, relying on lengthy orientation sessions and stacks of paperwork. However, with the advent of video technology, companies now have the opportunity to revolutionize their onboarding process and create a more engaging and impactful experience for new hires.

In this article, we will explore the history, significance, current state, and potential future developments of using video to onboard new hires. We will delve into the benefits of this approach, provide examples of successful implementations, present relevant statistics, offer expert opinions and suggestions, and conclude with a comprehensive understanding of how video can transform the onboarding process.

History of Video Onboarding

Video technology has come a long way since its inception in the late 19th century. From the first motion pictures to the rise of television, video has always been a powerful medium for communication and storytelling. In the business world, video has been used for training and informational purposes for decades. However, it is only in recent years that organizations have started to harness the full potential of video for onboarding new hires.

Significance of Video Onboarding

The significance of video onboarding lies in its ability to engage new hires, provide consistent and standardized information, and create a memorable and impactful experience. Unlike traditional methods, video allows companies to deliver onboarding content in a visually compelling and easily digestible format. It enables organizations to convey their values, culture, and expectations more effectively, ensuring that new employees feel welcomed and informed from day one.

Current State of Video Onboarding

The current state of video onboarding is a testament to its effectiveness and growing popularity. More and more companies are embracing this approach to enhance their onboarding processes. With the advancements in technology, creating and sharing videos has become easier and more accessible than ever before. From pre-recorded videos to live-streamed sessions, organizations are leveraging various video formats to engage and educate new hires.

Potential Future Developments

The potential future developments of video onboarding are vast and exciting. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more interactive and immersive video experiences. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are already making their way into the onboarding landscape, allowing new hires to explore virtual environments and interact with digital content. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) may play a role in creating personalized onboarding experiences tailored to each individual’s needs and preferences.

Examples of Using Video to Onboard New Hires in Your Company

1. Welcome Message from the CEO: Start the onboarding process with a personalized video message from the CEO, highlighting the company’s mission, values, and goals.
2. Virtual Office Tour: Provide new hires with a virtual tour of the office space, showcasing different departments, common areas, and facilities.
3. Role-specific Training Videos: Create videos that walk new hires through the specific tasks and responsibilities of their roles, ensuring a clear understanding of expectations.
4. Employee Testimonials: Feature videos of current employees sharing their experiences and insights, giving new hires a glimpse into the company culture and community.
5. Company History and Milestones: Develop a video that tells the story of the company’s journey, highlighting key milestones and achievements along the way.

Statistics about Video Onboarding

1. According to a study by Wyzowl, 87% of businesses now use video as a marketing tool, indicating the growing importance of video in various aspects of business operations.
2. A survey by Panopto found that 98% of employees believe video is an effective tool for training and onboarding.
3. Research by Forrester shows that employees are 75% more likely to watch a video than to read documents, emails, or web articles.
4. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reports that organizations using video for onboarding experience 50% higher retention rates among new hires.
5. A study by TalentLMS found that 75% of employees are more likely to watch a video than to read text-based documents, making video an ideal medium for delivering onboarding content.

Experts about Video Onboarding

1. According to Sarah Brennan, Founder of Accelir Insights, "Video onboarding allows companies to create a consistent and impactful experience for new hires, setting the stage for long-term success."
2. Josh Bersin, a renowned HR thought leader, states, "Video is a powerful tool for onboarding as it enables organizations to convey their culture and values in a way that resonates with new hires."
3. Jane Hart, Founder of the Centre for Learning and Performance Technologies, emphasizes, "Video onboarding provides a more engaging and interactive experience, fostering better knowledge retention and employee engagement."
4. Dr. Michael Goul, Chair of the Information Systems Department at Arizona State University, believes, "Video onboarding can help bridge the gap between new hires and the organization, facilitating a smoother integration process."
5. Jessica Miller-Merrell, Founder of Workology, asserts, "Video onboarding allows new hires to connect with the company’s culture and people, minimizing the feeling of isolation and enhancing their sense of belonging."

Suggestions for Newbies about Video Onboarding

1. Embrace the opportunity: Approach video onboarding with an open mind and see it as a chance to learn and engage with your new company.
2. Take notes: While watching onboarding videos, jot down key points and any questions that arise. This will help you retain information and seek clarification later.
3. Engage with the content: Actively participate in any interactive elements of the video onboarding experience, such as quizzes or surveys. This will enhance your understanding and engagement.
4. Connect with colleagues: Reach out to fellow new hires or existing employees through virtual platforms to build relationships and ask questions about the onboarding process.
5. Seek feedback: After completing the onboarding videos, seek feedback from your manager or HR representative to ensure you have a clear understanding of the information presented.

Need to Know about Video Onboarding

1. Video onboarding is not a replacement for human interaction but rather a complement to it. It should be used to enhance the onboarding process, not replace personal connections.
2. Accessibility is crucial. Ensure that your video onboarding content is accessible to all employees, including those with disabilities or language barriers.
3. Keep videos concise and engaging. Long and monotonous videos can lead to disengagement and decreased retention of information.
4. Use a mix of video formats. Consider incorporating live-streamed sessions, pre-recorded videos, and interactive elements to create a dynamic and engaging onboarding experience.
5. Continuously evaluate and update your video onboarding content to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. Solicit feedback from new hires to identify areas for improvement.

What Others Say about Video Onboarding

1. According to Forbes, video onboarding can reduce the time it takes for new hires to become productive by up to 60%.
2. The Harvard Business Review highlights that video onboarding can significantly improve employee engagement and retention rates.
3. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recommends video onboarding as a way to create a consistent and standardized onboarding experience across geographically dispersed teams.
4. The Training Industry emphasizes that video onboarding allows new hires to learn at their own pace and revisit content as needed, promoting better knowledge retention.
5. The Wall Street Journal reports that companies using video for onboarding have seen a 50% reduction in time spent onboarding new hires.

Conclusion

Video onboarding has the power to revolutionize the way organizations welcome and integrate new hires. By leveraging the visual and engaging nature of video, companies can create a consistent and impactful onboarding experience that sets new employees up for success. With the potential for future developments in technology, video onboarding will continue to evolve, providing even more immersive and personalized experiences. Embracing video as a tool for onboarding is not only a strategic decision but also a way to invest in the long-term success of the organization and its employees.

References

1. Wyzowl – State of Video Marketing 2021
2. Panopto – The State of Video in Corporate Training
3. Forrester – The Future of Video in the Enterprise
4. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – Onboarding New Employees: Maximizing Success
5. TalentLMS – Video-Based Learning Statistics and Trends for 2021