7 Ways to create employee onboarding videos

Onboarding new employees is a critical phase in their journey within your company.

Effective onboarding videos can significantly enhance this experience, introducing your company culture, expectations, and procedures in an engaging and memorable way.

Here’s how you can create impactful onboarding videos that resonate with new hires and set them up for success.

Understanding the importance of quality onboarding

A strong onboarding process increases new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70% (Brandon Hall Group).

Videos are an essential tool in this, providing a dynamic and accessible means for new employees to absorb your company's ethos and expectations.

The right onboarding video can be the difference between a confident, well-prepared team member and one who feels lost in the shuffle.

Here’s how to create employee onboarding videos…

1. Plan your content strategically

Begin with a clear outline of what each video should achieve. Divide the onboarding content into digestible topics such as company culture, specific job roles, health and safety procedures, and employee benefits. This segmented approach ensures information is not only easier to digest but also easily referenced later.

Why it works

Employees are 75% more likely to watch a video than to read documents, emails, or web articles (Forrester Research). Segmenting the information makes the onboarding process more engaging and manageable.

2. Keep it short and engaging

Maintain engagement by keeping your videos between 2-5 minutes long. Employ a mix of talking heads, animations, and real-life workplace footage to keep the content dynamic.

Why it works

Shorter videos ensure that the information provided is concise and to the point, maximising retention and engagement.

3. Use the power of storytelling

Include stories from current employees about their first days, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. This approach not only humanises the onboarding process but also weaves new hires into the narrative of your company.

Why it works

Storytelling is a powerful method for building emotional connections, which can increase employee engagement and loyalty.

4. Ensure high production quality

Invest in good lighting, clear audio, and professional editing. High-quality videos reflect the professionalism of your company and help maintain the attention of new hires.

Why it works

Professional quality videos are more engaging and easier to watch, which can help in better information retention.

5. Include interactive elements

Where possible, integrate quizzes or interactive segments at the end of each video to reinforce learning. These elements can also provide feedback on how well the information is being absorbed.

Why it works

Interactive elements can increase engagement levels and provide measurable insights into how effective your onboarding process is.

6. Regularly update your content

Ensure that your onboarding videos are up-to-date with the latest company policies, job responsibilities, and any regulatory changes. Regular updates keep your content relevant and useful.

Why it works

Updated content helps prevent the dissemination of outdated practices and misinformation, keeping your workforce well-informed and compliant.

7. Gather feedback and improve

Collect surveys or direct feedback to understand what new employees think about the videos and the onboarding process. This feedback is invaluable for refining your approach and content.

Why it works

Feedback allows you to continuously improve your onboarding process, making it more effective over time and increasing new hire satisfaction.

Extending the reach and impact of your onboarding videos

Extend accessibility

Ensure that your videos are accessible to all employees, including those with disabilities. Implement captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions where necessary to make sure everyone can benefit from the onboarding process.

Why it works

Accessibility widens your reach and underscores your company’s commitment to inclusivity, which can boost company reputation and employee morale.

Incorporate multi-language support

For businesses with a diverse workforce, offering onboarding videos in multiple languages can ensure that all employees have the best start possible.

Why it works

Multi-language support enhances understanding and comfort for non-native speakers, which can speed up the acclimation process and foster a more inclusive workplace culture.

Leverage senior management involvement

Including senior leaders in onboarding videos can boost credibility and connection between new hires and the company’s vision and leadership.

Why it works

Leadership involvement demonstrates commitment at the highest levels of the company, encouraging new employees to feel valued and part of the team from day one.

Promote social interaction

Encourage new hires to discuss the content of the onboarding videos in social settings like team meetings or dedicated discussion forums. This can foster team bonding and a deeper understanding of the material.

Why it works

Social learning through discussion and interaction enhances retention and makes the learning process more enjoyable and effective.

Let’s wrap up…

The creation of effective onboarding videos is not just about informing new hires—it's about engaging them, making them feel welcomed, and preparing them for success within your company.

By following the seven strategies outlined above, you can develop a video onboarding process that is not only efficient but also enhances the overall employee experience.

Onboarding videos serve as a bridge between traditional training methods and modern, digital learning tools, offering a unique blend of personal touch and technological convenience.

They provide a first impression that can set the tone for an employee's entire career at your company, so it's crucial to get it right.

By incorporating these methods, your company can create a comprehensive and effective onboarding experience that not only delivers necessary information but also builds a strong sense of community and belonging right from the start.

These onboarding strategies, built on a foundation of engaging video content, are designed to address the diverse needs and learning preferences of modern employees.

With the right approach, small to medium-sized businesses can ensure that their onboarding process is not just a formality, but a cornerstone of their long-term success and employee satisfaction.