Onboarding new hires is your chance to throw an epic welcome party – virtually, of course. But instead of party hats and awkward icebreakers, we’re talking about engaging onboarding videos that turn those first few weeks into an exciting adventure.
Why videos? Because let’s face it, information overload is real. New hires are bombarded with policies, procedures, and enough login credentials to make their head spin. Videos cut through the noise with a dynamic blend of visuals, audio, and storytelling. They can explain complex topics in a clear, memorable way, all while showcasing your awesome company culture.
So, how do you craft onboarding videos that are anything but boring? Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a quest for onboarding video greatness!
The Power of Video: Your New Employee’s Sidekick
Imagine a trusty sidekick that explains everything you need to know about your new job, from company history to secret breakroom hacks. That’s the power of video. It’s like having a personal guide whispering insider tips in your ear (virtually, of course). Here’s why videos are the ultimate onboarding weapon:
- They break down complex topics: Ever stared at a wall of text and felt your brain melt? Videos take those dense topics and transform them into bite-sized chunks with visuals and animations that make learning fun (and way less like studying for a final exam).
- They showcase company culture: Forget a dry mission statement. Videos can paint a vibrant picture of what it’s really like to work at your company. Think: funny team pranks, office celebrations, and employees genuinely enjoying their work. New hires will get a feel for your company’s vibe before they even step through the door.
- They add a personal touch: Let’s face it, traditional onboarding materials can feel impersonal. Videos can introduce key players, showcase employee stories, and make new hires feel like they’re already part of the team.
Building Your Onboarding Video
Now that you’re convinced about the power of video, let’s dive into the different types of content you can create to make your onboarding process legendary:
- The Welcome Wagon: This video is your chance to roll out the red carpet. Introduce key team members, share your company’s mission and values, and give a sneak peek of what the new hire’s first few weeks will look like. Think of it as a friendly handshake and a warm “welcome aboard!”
Example Alert! Check out Google’s “An Intern’s First Week” video. It features interns sharing their experiences and showcasing the company culture – a great way to make new hires feel like they’re already part of the Google fam.
- Company Chronicles: The Epic Tale of How You Got Here: New hires don’t just want to know what you do, they want to know why you do it. This video is your chance to tell your company’s origin story. Highlight your milestones, introduce your leadership team, and showcase what makes your company culture unique.
Need Inspiration? HubSpot’s “Our Story” video uses storytelling and dynamic visuals to keep viewers engaged, making them feel like they’re part of the HubSpot journey.
- Role-Specific Training: Equipping Your New Hire with the Tools to Slay Dragons (or Conquer Spreadsheets): This is where things get practical. Here, you’ll delve into the specifics of the new hire’s role. Explain job responsibilities, key tools, and important processes. But remember, keep it engaging!
Real-World Example: Intuit’s onboarding video features insights from the CEO and other leaders, making the content personal and motivational – a surefire way to get new hires pumped about their role.
- Departmental Discovery: Unveiling the Territories Where Magic Happens: Help new hires navigate the company landscape. Introduce them to their specific department, team members, and how their department fits into the bigger picture.
Want to See it Done Right? Zendesk’s “This is Zendesk” video effectively showcases their remote work culture and introduces the team in a relatable way, making new hires feel comfortable and welcome.
- Policy Patrol: Navigating the Company Code (Without Getting Lost): No one enjoys policy briefings. But fear not! Videos can make explaining company policies and procedures less painful. Cover essential topics like code of conduct, cybersecurity, and workplace safety in a clear and concise way.
Example Time! Amazon’s orientation video includes various practical and safety procedures, ensuring new hires are well-prepared from day one.
Equipping Your Onboarding Video Studio: Tools for the Trade
Now that you have a lot of content ideas, let’s explore the tools that will help you transform them into onboarding video masterpieces:
- Loom: The Screen Recording Superhero: Loom is useful for creating quick, informative videos. New hires can watch them at their own pace, making it perfect for bite-sized training sessions.
- Vyond: The Animation Aficionado: Don’t have fancy video editing skills? No problem! Vyond lets you create professional-looking animated videos with customizable templates. It’s perfect for adding pizazz to your onboarding content.
- Zoom: The Live Lesson Lifesaver: Need to conduct live training sessions? Zoom has you covered. With screen sharing and recording capabilities, you can capture these sessions and use them for future onboarding processes, saving you time and resources.
- Canva: The Design Dynamo: Canva is your one-stop shop for creating visually stunning videos that reflect your brand’s personality. Use their easy-to-use design tools and video editing features to make your onboarding videos pop.
Pro Tip Alert! Don’t forget about the power of free stock footage and music libraries. These resources can add a professional touch to your videos without breaking the bank.
Onboarding Video Art: Tips and Tricks for Success
We’ve got the content, we’ve got the tools, but there’s still more to the onboarding video mastery equation. Here are some best practices to keep your viewers glued to the screen:
- Keep it Short and Sweet: Attention spans are shorter than ever. Break up long videos into digestible chunks, each focusing on a specific topic. Aim for videos that are 5-7 minutes long, max.
- Make it Interactive: Don’t let your new hires become passive viewers. Incorporate quizzes, polls, and other interactive elements to keep them engaged and test their understanding.
- Unleash Your Company’s Personality: Let your company culture shine through! Use a tone and style that reflects your unique vibe. This will help new hires feel more connected from the start.
- Feedback is Your Friend: Don’t just create videos and hope for the best. Regularly solicit feedback from new hires on the content and make improvements based on their suggestions. This ensures your onboarding videos stay relevant and engaging.
The End (But Really, It’s Just the Beginning)
Creating engaging onboarding videos is an investment in your new hires’ success and satisfaction. By using the tools and tips in this guide, you can craft compelling content that welcomes, informs, and inspires your new team members.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera, unleash your creativity, and start crafting onboarding videos that will make your new hires feel like the heroes of their own company adventure!
Transform your onboarding process into an engaging and effective experience. Visit Sequifi to learn more and get started!
See also: How to Craft a Smooth and Welcoming Onboarding Experience