Remote work has changed the way we operate. And if you’re an IT manager, you’ve probably felt the weight of this transformation more than most. Remote employee onboarding and offboarding is no longer just about keeping systems running—now, you’re securing data, troubleshooting remotely, and supporting teams that may be working in multiple time zones. Then there’s one of the biggest pain points: getting people started (and occasionally saying goodbye) when they’re not right in front of you.
Effective onboarding and offboarding remotely may sound simple enough on paper, but if you’re in this role, you know it’s anything but. The stakes are high, and the details are endless.
Today, we’re diving into five practical strategies that can help streamline this process for you and your team. And if you’re ready to take some of the load off, Esevel is here to help—not with a hard sell, just the right tools to make remote management a bit lighter.
1. Have a onboarding & offboarding checklist and stick to it
Whether you’re welcoming someone new or preparing to say goodbye, consistency is key. Without a well-defined process, it’s easy for details to slip through the cracks—leading to frustrating delays or, worse, security risks.
📕Free resources: IT Employee Onboarding Checklist & Professional Remote Employee Offboarding Checklist
What this looks like: Start by building an onboarding and offboarding checklist. Think of it as your roadmap that covers everything: software access, hardware setup, security protocols, and any role-specific requirements.
Pro tip: This checklist isn’t a ‘one-and-done’ document. Update it regularly based on feedback from team members, HR, and, of course, your own experience. That way, you’re always prepared, and everyone involved knows what to expect.
💡Where Esevel can help: Esevel offers standardized onboarding and offboarding solutions that make these steps repeatable and reliable. With our comprehensive platform, you can manage equipment, software, and access protocols all in one place, helping you to create the kind of process that doesn’t miss a beat.
2. Automate what you can—free up your time and headspace
Let’s be honest: repeating the same steps over and over is nobody’s idea of efficient work. Automation tools are a game-changer for tasks like user account creation, permission setups, and sending welcome or exit messages.
What this looks like: For new hires, automation tools can streamline account setups and access approvals. For offboarding, automated workflows ensure that permissions are removed instantly, closing any potential security gaps.
Pro tip: Look for tools that integrate with your existing IT stack so you can set these workflows up with minimal hassle. Automation isn’t just about saving time—it’s about creating consistency, security, and enhancing employee experience at scale.
💡Where Esevel can help: Our automated workflows make account setups and deactivations a seamless task within your existing tech stack, making the onboarding and offboarding process faster and more secure. Designed with remote IT managers in mind, we can de-active a device within 4 minutes, it’s about lightening your load, not adding more to it.
3. Integrate company culture into remote onboarding
Remote onboarding should not just focus on logistics and tools—it’s also a prime opportunity to immerse new hires in company culture and values. Helping employees feel connected to the company’s mission and culture can improve engagement, morale, and long-term retention.
What this looks like: Design an onboarding experience that introduces new employees to the company’s core values, mission, and community. Create interactive virtual sessions with leaders and team members, share company success stories, and encourage participation in any existing online communities or social platforms.
Pro tip: Use a mix of videos, testimonials, and interactive sessions to make the onboarding experience engaging. Consider assigning mentors or culture ambassadors who can help new hires navigate the informal aspects of the company, building their connection to the team and values from day one.
💡Where Esevel can help: Esevel’s employee onboarding solutions support not only the technical aspects but also the cultural integration by helping set up virtual meet-and-greets. By freeing you from manual time-consuming tasks, we offer you the headspace to take care of your new hires’ experience.
4. Keep security front and center from day one
Security is an ongoing challenge, and with remote work, it’s even more crucial to get it right. Each new team member brings new access points to manage, and each departing employee creates a potential vulnerability if not handled carefully.
What this looks like: During onboarding, prioritize setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) and VPN access for any employee who needs it. For offboarding, make sure you have a step in your process to instantly revoke access to all company systems—no exceptions.
Pro tip: Consider creating a “remote security” training session for new hires as part of the onboarding program. And when someone exits, do a quick post-offboarding review to confirm all accounts have been deactivated. This proactive approach reinforces your commitment to security across the board.
💡Where Esevel can help: Esevel’s device and account management solutions make it easy to secure every employee’s access points, from first login to final deactivation. With Esevel, every account and device can be tracked and managed remotely, so you know security is always front and center.
5. Foster connection for new members from day one
In a remote environment,the onboarding experience isn’t just about setting up tools; it’s about creating connections.
What this looks like: As part of onboarding, ensure each new team member has access to collaboration platforms like Slack, Teams, or whichever tool your company uses. Encourage managers to schedule a few casual coffee chats or buddy sessions to help them settle in.
Pro tip: Schedule a “meet the IT team” session in the first week so that new hires know who to reach out to if they have tech questions. These sessions go a long way in helping people feel welcomed and supported right from the start.
💡Where Esevel can help: Esevel’s onboarding solutions go beyond just setting up devices. Our team can help coordinate virtual meet-ups and ensure new hires have everything they need to feel part of the team from day one. After all, successful onboarding is about more than technology; it’s about creating a connected team.
6. Offboarding with dignity and efficiency
Offboarding is about more than just revoking access—it’s a time to part ways respectfully and efficiently. A smooth, thoughtful offboarding checklist doesn’t just protect the company; it also leaves a positive impression with the departing employee, who might still be an ambassador for your brand.
What this looks like: In addition to quickly managing technical aspects like device retrieval and account deactivation, make sure the departing employee has clear instructions and support for the transition.
Pro tip: Consider an exit interview or short exit survey asking about their experience with your IT processes. Departing employees can offer valuable insights, and it gives you a chance to improve your onboarding and offboarding flows for the future.
💡Where Esevel can help: Esevel simplifies the offboarding process, handling everything from device retrieval to account deactivation, so your IT team can focus on core tasks while knowing everything else is taken care of.Remote work is here to stay, you can adapt in ways that work best for your team, your time, and your peace of mind.
When you’re ready to make remote management easier, Esevel is here to support you with comprehensive, human-centered solutions for the modern workplace.
