Remote onboarding

Every team is different.

Every team onboards new members of their team differently.

Here's how we do it.

(For context, we're a team of 10 fully remote around the UK.)

May 2022 in person all-hands meeting.

1) Our Readme file.

For Steadfast Collective, the key to our successful onboarding process is the personal readme pdf each new team member receives.

It outlines our rhythms as a team, expectations and who to speak to about questions.

The most important part of this document is the expectations section. We outline what we expect the new team member to have achieved by the end of weeks 1, 4, 12, 24 and 36.

The expectations clarify what their first few months will look like at Steadfast Collective.

2) Onboarding Trello Board

We set up a new board for each team member, which lists everything they need to run through on day one. For example, set up an email footer, join Harvest and read the handbook.

3) Hands-on / Hands-off

Depending on what day their 'first day' falls on depends on our first interaction with them.

It could be the all-hands call on a Monday morning or a 1-1 call with myself. Once we're chatting 1-1 we talk through the readme file and Trello board and answer any questions they may have.

I make it clear that we're relatively autonomous at Steadfast Collective.

We won't look to micromanage, look over shoulders or generally manage someone's time. I'm aware this can feel distant for new team members, which is why I always remind new inductees that they can reach out at any time if they need more 1-1 time with me.

At Steadfast Collective we hire based on one key attribute; are they a Smart Creative. I believe it's because we employ Smart Creatives; we have found remote onboarding of new team members seamless.