How do you ensure new hires feel connected to company culture during virtual onboarding?

During virtual onboarding, I’ve found that it’s all about making people feel SEEN and HEARD. Kicking things off with a fun icebreaker or a “meet the team” session helps break the awkwardness. Regular check-ins go a long way too — not just to discuss work, but to ask, “How’s it going?” Also, a buddy system works like magic. Pairing new hires with someone experienced makes navigating the virtual setup easier. And don’t underestimate small gestures — a personalized welcome email or a virtual coffee chat can make all the difference. It’s these little things that make a big impact!

I think making new hires feel welcome in a virtual setting is essential for fostering a strong company culture. Icebreakers are a great way to ease initial awkwardness and help employees connect on a personal level. When people feel comfortable, they engage more, collaborate better, and integrate faster. Fun activities like virtual games or casual Q&A sessions make interactions feel natural. However, it’s also important to follow up with consistent communication and team engagement. A supportive and inclusive environment ensures that remote employees don’t feel isolated but rather valued and connected.

Instead of relying solely on digital presentations, I'd create a "Virtual Culture Immersion Experience." We'd start with a "Welcome Culture Kit" mailed to their home, containing company swag, a handwritten welcome note, and interactive elements representing our values. Then, we'd host "Virtual Culture Connect Sessions," where new hires meet team members in small, informal groups for virtual coffee chats and icebreaker games. We'd also create a "Virtual Culture Showcase," a digital space with employee-generated content, like videos and stories, highlighting our company culture in action. And, we'd assign "Culture Buddies", experienced employees who act as virtual guides, answering questions and fostering connections.

Make icebreakers immersive. Try a “Virtual Coffee Roulette”, pairing new hires with different team members for casual chats, or a “Company Lore Quiz” with fun facts about the company’s history and quirks. When engagement feels organic, culture becomes a shared experience, not just a concept.

Ensuring new hires feel connected to the company culture during virtual onboarding can be a challenge, but it’s definitely doable with thoughtful planning and consistent engagement

Since this may take a bit of extra effort, prioritize building personal connections right from the start. You may introduce them to the team, set up virtual coffee chats, and even share stories about the company’s values to help them understand who they are beyond just the job. Create a sense of belonging that makes them feel part of the bigger picture.

I love asking new hires to share some fascinating facts about them and then share them publically for the rest of the team to welcome them via the company IM system throughout the day/welcome week.

Virtual onboarding doesn’t have to feel distant. I create connection from day one with a warm welcome, team video intros, and a ‘buddy system’ to guide them. Culture comes alive through storytelling—sharing wins, values, and rituals in action. Interactive sessions and casual virtual coffee chats help break the screen barrier. I also check in regularly, not just on progress but on how they feel. When people feel seen and supported, they settle in fast—and start thriving sooner.

I believe engaging videos are a powerful tool for welcoming new hires, especially in a virtual setting. They provide a dynamic way to introduce company culture, values, and team members in a way that feels personal and immersive. A well-crafted video with leadership messages, virtual office tours, and event highlights can make new employees feel included from day one. It bridges the gap between remote and in-person experiences, helping newcomers feel more connected. However, videos should be complemented with real interactions to ensure a fully engaging and supportive onboarding experience.

As an HR DOO, I didn't have time (or the expertise) to generage a video, so I asked the Social media specialists to put together a highlight video capturing our culture. They did an amazing job, interviewing the CEO and other informal influencers in the organization as well as many social media photos paired with an amazing sound track. We used it as a warm up to quarterly employee meetings and it ended up on the company website further attracting the right talent to the organization.

I think pairing new hires with a mentor or buddy is an excellent way to help them feel supported and integrated. Having a go-to person for questions makes the transition smoother and reduces the anxiety of starting a new job. A mentor not only provides guidance on work processes but also introduces the company culture in a more personal way. Informal virtual gatherings further strengthen connections, making new employees feel like part of the team. However, for this to be effective, the mentor should be approachable, proactive, and genuinely invested in the new hire’s success.

At one organization I worked at, we had a buddy program where employees had to complete an application to participate. If paired with a new hire buddy they were provided a lunch voucher to take the new hire out on their first day. We ensured the buddies were NOT a part of the same department to ensure they learned something new and knew someone in a completely different department. (This helped break down silos throughout.) Each mentoring buddy had to complete at least 5 touch points including a short checklist they needed to complete for each buddy they were assigned: 1) Lunch Day 1, 2) Coffee break, 3) Escort to Company Meeting, 4) Checkin and 5) Introduce them to someone they don't know.

To ensure new hires feel connected to company culture during virtual onboarding, it’s essential to create intentional, human-centered experiences from day one. Start with a warm welcome: virtual meet-and-greets, team intros, and personal messages from leadership help build immediate connection. Share stories, values, and traditions that define your culture—not just policies. Use interactive tools like videos, quizzes, or live sessions to make culture tangible. Assign mentors or buddies for social bonding, and encourage participation in virtual events or informal chats. Consistent communication, feedback loops, and a sense of belonging are key to making remote onboarding feel truly engaging and authentic.

Boring, traditional, cookie-cutter training is no longer effective. I appreciate the gamification features many online platforms provide to keep the students engaged; but training is most effective when there is customized follow up with the integration. Coaching to ensure understanding and proper application is where the real transformation happens.

To ensure new hires feel connected to company culture during virtual onboarding, create a welcoming, interactive experience. Start with a virtual meet and greet to introduce team members and leadership, helping them feel part of the community from day one. Encourage informal chats or virtual coffee breaks to build relationships. Share stories and examples that highlight your company’s values and mission. Make sure they have access to key resources, and assign a mentor or buddy to guide them. Regular check-ins help them feel supported and involved. By fostering open communication and connection, even remotely, you help new hires feel truly integrated into the culture.