The Differences Between Remote and Traditional Onboarding

The Differences Between Remote and Traditional Onboarding

Onboarding is the process of introducing a new employee to the company and helping them integrate into their new role and team. With the rise of remote work, many companies have had to adapt their onboarding processes to a fully or partially remote environment. In this article, we will explore the differences between traditional onboarding and remote onboarding, and discuss the pros and cons of each approach.

Onboarding is the process of introducing a new employee to the company and helping them integrate into their new role and team. With the rise of remote work, many companies have had to adapt their onboarding processes to a fully or partially remote environment. In this article, we will explore the differences between traditional onboarding and remote onboarding, and discuss the pros and cons of each approach.

Onboarding is the process of introducing a new employee to the company and helping them integrate into their new role and team. With the rise of remote work, many companies have had to adapt their onboarding processes to a fully or partially remote environment. In this article, we will explore the differences between traditional onboarding and remote onboarding, and discuss the pros and cons of each approach.

Updated on Dec 30, 2022

Updated on Dec 30, 2022

Updated on Dec 30, 2022

Guides & Insights

Guides & Insights

Guides & Insights

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Traditional Onboarding

Traditionally, onboarding has been done in-person, with new hires coming into the office on their first day. This approach has several benefits, including the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with coworkers and the ability to get a feel for the office culture and atmosphere.

During traditional onboarding, new hires are typically given a tour of the office, introduced to their team and coworkers, and provided with any necessary training or resources. They may also be given a mentor or buddy to help them navigate their new role and answer any questions they may have.

Traditionally, onboarding has been done in-person, with new hires coming into the office on their first day. This approach has several benefits, including the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with coworkers and the ability to get a feel for the office culture and atmosphere.

During traditional onboarding, new hires are typically given a tour of the office, introduced to their team and coworkers, and provided with any necessary training or resources. They may also be given a mentor or buddy to help them navigate their new role and answer any questions they may have.

Traditionally, onboarding has been done in-person, with new hires coming into the office on their first day. This approach has several benefits, including the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with coworkers and the ability to get a feel for the office culture and atmosphere.

During traditional onboarding, new hires are typically given a tour of the office, introduced to their team and coworkers, and provided with any necessary training or resources. They may also be given a mentor or buddy to help them navigate their new role and answer any questions they may have.

Remote Onboarding

With the shift to remote work, many companies have had to adapt their onboarding processes to a fully or partially remote environment. Remote onboarding involves introducing new hires to the company and their team remotely, usually through a combination of video conferencing and online resources.

Remote onboarding has several benefits, including the ability to onboard employees regardless of location and the potential for a more efficient and streamlined process. However, it can also present some challenges, such as the lack of face-to-face interaction and the need to adapt training and resources to an online format.


With the shift to remote work, many companies have had to adapt their onboarding processes to a fully or partially remote environment. Remote onboarding involves introducing new hires to the company and their team remotely, usually through a combination of video conferencing and online resources.

Remote onboarding has several benefits, including the ability to onboard employees regardless of location and the potential for a more efficient and streamlined process. However, it can also present some challenges, such as the lack of face-to-face interaction and the need to adapt training and resources to an online format.


With the shift to remote work, many companies have had to adapt their onboarding processes to a fully or partially remote environment. Remote onboarding involves introducing new hires to the company and their team remotely, usually through a combination of video conferencing and online resources.

Remote onboarding has several benefits, including the ability to onboard employees regardless of location and the potential for a more efficient and streamlined process. However, it can also present some challenges, such as the lack of face-to-face interaction and the need to adapt training and resources to an online format.


Pros and Cons of Traditional and Remote Onboarding

Both traditional and remote onboarding have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Some of the pros and cons of each approach are outlined below:

Traditional Onboarding Pros:

• Face-to-face interaction with coworkers
• Opportunity to get a feel for the office culture and atmosphere
• Ability to provide hands-on training and support

Traditional Onboarding Cons:

• Limited to onboarding employees in the same location
• Potentially more time-consuming and resource-intensive

Remote Onboarding Pros:

• Ability to onboard employees regardless of location
• Potential for a more efficient and streamlined process
• Ability to adapt training and resources to an online formatRemote Onboarding Cons:• Lack of face-to-face interaction
• Potential for communication and collaboration challenges

Both traditional and remote onboarding have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Some of the pros and cons of each approach are outlined below:

Traditional Onboarding Pros:

• Face-to-face interaction with coworkers
• Opportunity to get a feel for the office culture and atmosphere
• Ability to provide hands-on training and support

Traditional Onboarding Cons:

• Limited to onboarding employees in the same location
• Potentially more time-consuming and resource-intensive

Remote Onboarding Pros:

• Ability to onboard employees regardless of location
• Potential for a more efficient and streamlined process
• Ability to adapt training and resources to an online formatRemote Onboarding Cons:• Lack of face-to-face interaction
• Potential for communication and collaboration challenges

Both traditional and remote onboarding have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Some of the pros and cons of each approach are outlined below:

Traditional Onboarding Pros:

• Face-to-face interaction with coworkers
• Opportunity to get a feel for the office culture and atmosphere
• Ability to provide hands-on training and support

Traditional Onboarding Cons:

• Limited to onboarding employees in the same location
• Potentially more time-consuming and resource-intensive

Remote Onboarding Pros:

• Ability to onboard employees regardless of location
• Potential for a more efficient and streamlined process
• Ability to adapt training and resources to an online formatRemote Onboarding Cons:• Lack of face-to-face interaction
• Potential for communication and collaboration challenges

Branded Merchandise for Remote and Traditional Onboarding

Branded merchandise can be a useful tool in both traditional and remote onboarding processes. Some ways in which branded merchandise can be included in onboarding are outlined below:

Welcome gift

Providing new hires with a welcome gift, such as a branded t-shirt or tote bag, can be a thoughtful way to make them feel welcome and valued. This can be especially effective in remote onboarding, where new hires may not have the opportunity to meet their team in person.

Branding and culture

Branded merchandise can help new hires understand and become familiar with the company's branding and culture. Providing them with branded items, such as a company logo t-shirt or hat, can help them feel like a part of the team and give them a sense of pride in their new organization.

Training materials

Branded merchandise can be used as a way to provide new hires with training materials and resources. For example, a branded notebook or pen can be a useful tool for taking notes during training sessions, and a branded mousepad can be helpful for those using a computer during onboarding.

Team-building

Branded merchandise can be used as a way to build team cohesion and foster a sense of community among new hires. For example, providing new hires with a branded team t-shirt can help them feel connected to their team and encourage team bonding.

Branded merchandise can be a useful tool in both traditional and remote onboarding processes. Some ways in which branded merchandise can be included in onboarding are outlined below:

Welcome gift

Providing new hires with a welcome gift, such as a branded t-shirt or tote bag, can be a thoughtful way to make them feel welcome and valued. This can be especially effective in remote onboarding, where new hires may not have the opportunity to meet their team in person.

Branding and culture

Branded merchandise can help new hires understand and become familiar with the company's branding and culture. Providing them with branded items, such as a company logo t-shirt or hat, can help them feel like a part of the team and give them a sense of pride in their new organization.

Training materials

Branded merchandise can be used as a way to provide new hires with training materials and resources. For example, a branded notebook or pen can be a useful tool for taking notes during training sessions, and a branded mousepad can be helpful for those using a computer during onboarding.

Team-building

Branded merchandise can be used as a way to build team cohesion and foster a sense of community among new hires. For example, providing new hires with a branded team t-shirt can help them feel connected to their team and encourage team bonding.

Branded merchandise can be a useful tool in both traditional and remote onboarding processes. Some ways in which branded merchandise can be included in onboarding are outlined below:

Welcome gift

Providing new hires with a welcome gift, such as a branded t-shirt or tote bag, can be a thoughtful way to make them feel welcome and valued. This can be especially effective in remote onboarding, where new hires may not have the opportunity to meet their team in person.

Branding and culture

Branded merchandise can help new hires understand and become familiar with the company's branding and culture. Providing them with branded items, such as a company logo t-shirt or hat, can help them feel like a part of the team and give them a sense of pride in their new organization.

Training materials

Branded merchandise can be used as a way to provide new hires with training materials and resources. For example, a branded notebook or pen can be a useful tool for taking notes during training sessions, and a branded mousepad can be helpful for those using a computer during onboarding.

Team-building

Branded merchandise can be used as a way to build team cohesion and foster a sense of community among new hires. For example, providing new hires with a branded team t-shirt can help them feel connected to their team and encourage team bonding.

Why You Should Have an Onboarding Program

Onboarding is an important process for helping new hires integrate into their new role and team. While traditional onboarding has its benefits, the rise of remote work has led to the adoption of remote onboarding as well. Both approaches have their own set of pros and cons, and it is important to consider the needs and preferences of your team and organization when deciding which approach is best for you. Regardless of the approach you take, it is important to set clear expectations, provide necessary resources and support, and foster a sense of belonging to ensure a successful onboarding process.


Onboarding is an important process for helping new hires integrate into their new role and team. While traditional onboarding has its benefits, the rise of remote work has led to the adoption of remote onboarding as well. Both approaches have their own set of pros and cons, and it is important to consider the needs and preferences of your team and organization when deciding which approach is best for you. Regardless of the approach you take, it is important to set clear expectations, provide necessary resources and support, and foster a sense of belonging to ensure a successful onboarding process.


Onboarding is an important process for helping new hires integrate into their new role and team. While traditional onboarding has its benefits, the rise of remote work has led to the adoption of remote onboarding as well. Both approaches have their own set of pros and cons, and it is important to consider the needs and preferences of your team and organization when deciding which approach is best for you. Regardless of the approach you take, it is important to set clear expectations, provide necessary resources and support, and foster a sense of belonging to ensure a successful onboarding process.


Questions? Contact our experts.

Merch and Swag concultant Anouk

Anouk

Partnerships & Events

anouk@mondaymerch.com

Merch and Swag consultant Jeroen

Jeroen

Co-Founder

jeroen@mondaymerch.com

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