From online conferences to remote work, the world is a different place than it was before March 2020. The move toward doing business virtually has brought new ways of offering employees more flexibility than ever before.
Many companies are even offering virtual onboarding as an option when new employees join the team. New hires can view training videos, review the employee manual and even sign paperwork from the comfort (and safety) of their own homes. If businesses offer it, they can even order the apparel or uniforms they’ll need through an online apparel store. From strict uniforms to more flexible branded gear, an online store is a valuable addition to the virtual onboarding experience.
How does it work?
When you set up an online storefront for your employees, you can control everything that is available to order. Employees select the items they want, and in which sizes and quantities, and those items will be shipped directly to them. That means that you, as the business owner, don’t have to deal with emails back and forth or turning in complicated order forms. It makes virtual onboarding smoother for both you and your new team members.
What is typically included in a virtual storefront? That depends on you, your industry and the needs of your employees. Many virtual storefronts include:
1. Apparel basics/uniforms
If you require your employees to wear a uniform or encourage them to wear branded apparel around the office or to client meetings, those are great items to include in your online apparel store during virtual onboarding. Whether they’ll need pants, shirts, hats or any other items, be specific in your employee manual and other onboarding documents. It’s important to specify which costs will be covered by the business and which required items they will need to purchase on their own, if any. It’s also good to include information about how many of each item they will need. The more information you include upfront, the less room there is for confusion later.
2. Optional/fun items
If your employees aren’t required to wear uniforms, apparel can still be an important part of the virtual onboarding experience. For instance, if you’re a tech company with employees who work remotely, it might be a nice gesture to offer branded hoodies or other gear. It’s a great way to make new hires feel like part of the team from their first day. From socks to hats and tote bags, there are a number of creative options that employees love.
3. Milestones and incentives
When a new employee joins the team, it’s helpful to give a glimpse of what perks and benefits you offer. During virtual onboarding, mention any rewards-based incentives programs and how they work. If you offer employee milestone gifts or other rewards, make them visible in your online apparel store so team members can see what they’re working toward. Many businesses also include special holiday based or other rewards – the possibilities are endless. Show employees right off the bat what sets you apart as an employer. It’s a great opportunity to show off not just your company values, but add a little bit of personality, as well.
