In the past, onboarding was a one-way experience. Employees would be told what to do, which office supplies they needed and where to find them. They were given their desks and phone extensions, but there was no time for questions or feedback. And then it was off to work!
However, in today's modern workplace, with a large number of young employees who learn differently than earlier generations (think Millennials and Generation Z), more companies are using video as an effective tool for onboarding because it provides much more detail about how things work at the company without making people sit through hours of training slideshows or lectures that can go over everyone's head. Video also allows new hires access to information when they need it and can be used as a resource for years to come.
There are countless benefits of using video for training and onboarding, but here are 7 of the most important ones:
1. You can show, not just tell
In the past, new employees would be given a tour of the office and told where things were. With video, you can actually show them! This is mostly helpful for large organizations with multiple locations. You can give a general overview of the company and its different departments and then go into more detail about specific roles and responsibilities. For example, if you're onboarding a customer service representative, you can create a video that covers topics such as how to use the company's CRM software, what to do if a customer is unhappy, and how to handle common customer service issues.
2. You can reach a global audience
If you have several employees who are based in different parts of the world, video is a great way to provide consistent training and onboarding content. You can record yourself giving a presentation or doing a walkthrough of the office and then post it online for everyone to access. This guarantees that everyone in the company is on the same page and knows what's expected of them from day one.
3. You can make it interactive
With video, you're not limited to just presenting information – you can also make it interactive! For example, you can create quizzes or polls that viewers can take after watching a video to ensure they understand the material. You can also include links to additional resources in the description or as annotations, so viewers can explore further if they're interested.
4. You can use it as a reference tool
One of the great things about video is that it can be used as a reference tool down the road. If an employee has a question about anything they were trained on, they can go back and watch the video again. This is especially helpful for complex topics that may be difficult to remember.
5. You can keep it short and sweet
You don't need to create a long, drawn-out video just to get your point across – you can keep it short and sweet. In fact, most people lose interest after about 10 minutes, so it's best to keep videos under this time limit. This lets you focus on specific topics and ensure that viewers are getting the information they need without being overloaded.
6. You can add personality
When you're using video, you have the opportunity to show off your company's culture and values. This is important for new employees as it will give them a better sense of what it's like to work at your organization. You can do this by featuring employees in your videos or including footage of company events and outings.
7. You can make it fun!
Just because a video is informative doesn't mean it has to be boring. There are plenty of ways to make your videos engaging and fun, such as adding humor, using creative visuals, or incorporating music. The answer is to find a balance between providing useful information and keeping viewers entertained.
Steps on How To Create Training and Onboarding Videos
Creating engaging and effective training and onboarding videos can be a challenge, but with a little effort, you can create videos that new employees will love watching. Here are a few tips:
- Plan out your content
Before beginning to film or create any visuals, take some time to plan out your content. What topics do you want to cover? What information and details do new employees need to know? Make a list of important things you want to include in your video, and then organize it in a logical order. This will make it easier to film and edit your video later on.
- Choose the appropriate format
There are various different formats you can use for training and onboarding videos, such as interviews, presentations, screencasts, or even animation. Think about what would work best for your content and your audience. If you're unsure, try experimenting with different formats to see what gets the best results.
- Prepare your equipment
Once you've decided on a format, it's time to gather your equipment. If you're doing a presentation-style video, all you need is a laptop and a webcam. For something more complex, like an animation, you may need additional software or even professional help. Make sure you have all the essential things you need before starting to film.
- Film your video
Now it's time to start filming! If you're doing a talking-head style video, make sure the lighting is good and that your background is clean and clutter-free. Don't forget to run a microphone and webcam test before recording to ensure the audio and video quality are both up to par. If you're recording a screencast, practice beforehand so you know exactly what you want to say and do. And if you're creating an animation, start by storyboarding your ideas.
- Edit your video
Once you've filmed everything you need, it's time to edit your video. If you're not sure about your editing skills, there are plenty of online tutorials or even professional services you can use. Ensure that the video is clear, concise, and free of any errors.
- Publish your video
Now that your video is complete, it's time to publish it! Depending on how you plan to utilize your video, you may want to host it on a website or upload it to a video-sharing platform like YouTube. You can also embed it in an email or share it through social media.
- Evaluate your results
Once you've published your video, it's important to evaluate the results. How many people watched it? Did they find it helpful? What did they think of the overall quality? Use this feedback to improve your future videos and ensure that you're providing the best possible content for your audience.
Creating training and onboarding videos doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. With these easy-to-follow tips, you can create videos that will engage and inform your new employees. And with some practice, you'll be able to create high-quality videos that everyone will love watching.
Using video for training and onboarding is a great way to engage new employees and ensure that they have all the important information they need to be successful in their roles. Give it a try today!