Article by Nikolas Kairinos, CEO, SoffosTM
Currently, media focus seems to be centered around the final point, with workers leaving their posts in astonishing numbers. And research seems to suggest that this trend may continue, should organizations fail to meet employees’ evolving expectations.
At present, while new starters are generally pleased with their hybrid working setups, they aren’t exactly enamored with remote onboarding practices. In that same survey, many individuals said that this often made the induction period worse, as 48% found it harder to feel a sense of belonging to the company and team culture. Given that many workers are searching for new opportunities, it is high time that businesses start thinking about how they can improve their onboarding strategies.
So, where should they start?
Generally speaking, one of the things that individuals have missed most throughout almost two years of remote work is spending valuable time with their colleagues. When it comes to onboarding, these interactions are still important – perhaps even more so – as new recruits learn the ropes and settle into their new roles.
That said, creating an onboarding strategy that has a personal feel, and one that works with geographically scattered workforce is not an easy task. Although firms have made huge strides when it comes to replicating in-person exchanges remotely, the fact remains that workers tend to struggle when it comes to quickly integrating into the company culture while working from home. According to a recent survey commissioned by SoffosTM, this was the case for the majority (60%) of respondents, although half of the workers polled also wanted their next job to allow fully remote work.
There are clearly some contradictions at play. While employees are eager for the option to work remotely, they also want an onboarding experience that feels both personable and thorough – not just a few video calls and sifting through endless company slideshows. Thankfully, there are many ways that businesses can take the chore out of those all-important first few weeks.
An ‘onboarding buddy’ scheme would be a good starting point – ensuring that all new starters have an experienced team member at their side, should they want to discuss more granular aspects of the role or wider company practices. Whether this process happens in person, remotely, or a blend of the two, it provides a bespoke approach to the onboarding process and an informal context for employees to get to know their surroundings. Beyond the onerous task of sifting through induction paperwork, this should help new members of staff feel as though they’re already part of the team.
While not all organizations will have the resources required to take this approach – particularly as individuals may have a lot of questions about their new role, and companies are hiring at an unprecedented rate – all is not lost. Rather than creating and distributing lengthy documents detailing commonly asked questions, hiring managers would be wise to invest in technologies that can do all the hard work for them.
One such technology is Conversational AI (CAI). When time is of the essence and new hires need to retrieve company information on demand, these tools can be a godsend. Platforms bolstered by CAI allow employees to self-direct their own learning experience, empowering individuals to ask their own questions and get to the knowledge that really matters, when it matters.
Given that most companies generate vast amounts of data – not all of which is well-organized or even genuinely useful – another solution worth considering is software that can organize enterprise knowledge effectively, so that new employees can easily find the information they need. Sometimes, searching for the right document can be a difficult task – even for experienced employees – so newer recruits don’t stand a chance, and may not know who to turn to when confronted with a large database of resources. As such, it would be wise for companies to get their data in order; implementing a centralized resource hub where workers can seek out information about their roles, company policies, or even standard compliance training, which would get newbies off to a good start.
In the wake of COVID-19, the onboarding process cannot remain as it always has been. The working landscape has changed beyond recognition, and it’s time that businesses take this on board when training new staff members.
Nikolas Kairinos is the chief executive officer and founder of SoffosTM, which is building the next generation of educational technology solutions. Whether you’re a trainer, teacher, or individual app user, the SoffosTM Cognitive AI Engine puts knowledge locked away in all your files and resources straight into the palm of your hand.
June
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.