Onboarding is a process in which new employees are introduced into a company. Employees are usually subjected to two types of information: information about the company culture and information needed to perform their job in a new environment. In other words, the onboarding process shapes a new employee's perception of the company. A well- designed onboarding programme helps employees feel welcome, understand their role and align with the company culture, resulting in higher retention and job satisfaction rates.

With the rise of distance working, eLearning has become a powerful tool for delivering effective online onboarding experiences. This article provides guidance on how to create an online onboarding programme using eLearning.

What is online onboarding and why it is important

Online onboarding is the process of integrating new employees through digital tools, platforms and resources. Using eLearning, virtual communication and digital documentation, it provides an engaging experience that helps new hires understand the company culture and become productive team members. This approach is particularly useful for remote or hybrid teams, providing scalability, the ability to adapt content to cultural sensitivities and ensuring all employees have the same starting point. Other benefits include flexibility in accessing materials, increased engagement through interactive content and cost savings compared to traditional onboarding.

How to create an online onboarding route?

1.   Defining objectives and results

Before designing the onboarding programme, define clear objectives: educate employees on the company mission, values and culture; provide tools and knowledge to excel in the role; clarify expectations, workflows and compliance requirements. Only well-defined objectives enable effective onboarding.

2.   Using a step-by-step approach

Divide the onboarding into phases to avoid overloading:

• Pre-boarding: send documents and policies before the first day.
• Orientation: virtually introducing the corporate culture and basic tools.
• Role training: focus on specific skills in the first weeks.
• Continuous learning: provide resources and mentorship to support growth. A roadmap helps employees know what to expect.

3.   Exploiting a learning management system (LMS)

An LMS allows structured and traceable onboarding, with content organised by modules and quizzes, progress monitoring and mobile compatibility. Integrating the LMS with HR or communication tools improves management and the training experience.

4.  Creating engaging content

Use multimedia (videos, infographics, texts) and interactive content (quizzes, simulations) to engage employees. Microlearning, with short modules that can be used from any device, enables fast and flexible learning.

5.   Customising the experience

Adapt the programme to role, location and language. Offer customised modules and flexible learning paths that meet individual needs, ensuring greater relevance and appreciation by employees.

6.   Embedding the corporate culture

Integrating corporate culture into onboarding reinforces a sense of belonging. Welcome messages, company stories and virtual meetings help new hires connect with the company, even in remote environments.

7.   Supporting continuous learning

Onboarding does not end after the first few weeks. Offer always accessible resources, microlearning modules and certifications to keep employees updated and motivated in the long term.

8.   Incorporating feedback loops

Collect feedback from employees through surveys, check-ins with managers and LMS analysis to identify areas for improvement. A regularly updated programme ensures effectiveness and relevance.

9.   Monitoring and measuring success

Define key metrics: module completion rates, time to full productivity, retention rate and employee satisfaction. These data help optimise the programme.

10. Ensuring accessibility and compliance

Ensure that materials are accessible to all, including captions and modules compatible with assistive technologies. Comply with legal and industry-specific requirements for an inclusive and effective programme.

Creating an online onboarding programme with eLearning is a scalable and efficient way to integrate new hires into your company. By prioritising engagement, personalisation, accessibility and continuous improvement, you can create a programme that not only educates, but also inspires and retains talent. With the right approach and tools, online onboarding turns into a seamless and rewarding experience for both the employee and the organisation.