How to effectively use onboarding training videos

This shift brings fresh perspectives but also requires organizations to rethink their new hire onboarding strategies. Onboarding processes must evolve to meet their expectations, balancing traditional training methods with modern, tech-driven approaches. 

However, don’t simply view this as a challenge; it’s the perfect opportunity to look at your onboarding process, shake it up, and do things a little differently. If you’re not already, using videos and incorporating them in e-learning is a great way to make an engaging first impression—something important with millennials and Gen Z! With e-learning authoring tools like Easygenerator, it is very easy to add videos and other multimedia to your onboarding training. 

To help, we’ve provided ten tips with onboarding video examples to improve the experience for all new starters, millennials, or otherwise. 

Have a look at our employee onboarding program. 

Tip #1 – Keep it short and sweet 

We all know the cliché that millennials and Gen Z have a short attention span, but in truth, we’re all increasingly guilty of this as well. We spend more and more time on our electronic devices and expect ‘instant gratification.’ It’s really important that you reflect this shifting dynamic when using videos and e-learning in your onboarding training. 

Use short, targeted videos to break down complex topics. This microlearning approach ensures learners can focus on one concept at a time, making it easier to absorb and retain information. Research indicates that videos under six minutes are ideal for holding attention and driving key takeaways.  

For instance, instead of creating a 30-minute video on company policies, divide it into three short clips covering workplace values, safety procedures, and dress code guidelines. To make each clip stand out, incorporate engaging visuals, clear narration, and a call to action. 

Our research into e-learning best practices indicated that you should keep videos under 6 minutes in length. 

By adopting this method, you’ll make onboarding materials more accessible and engaging for all your new hires. This will not only boost knowledge retention but also ensure employees feel valued and supported from the outset. 

Tip #2 – Think long-term 

Personal growth and long-term career prospects have become part of how we’re encouraged to think about ourselves and our careers, and we’ve all heard the phrase, ‘There’s no such thing as a job for life anymore.’ With this in mind, your new staff are unlikely to see themselves staying with your company in the long term. 

Using videos in your onboarding training to challenge this perception

Letting new starters understand exactly how they fit into the bigger picture and where there’s scope for them to have a personal impact is a great way to make them want to stay and grow with your company. By setting out the real opportunities for growth at the outset, you can bring people on board for the long term.  

Showcase real stories from employees who have advanced within the company. For example, feature a manager who started as an intern and now leads a department. These stories help new employees see the potential for a fulfilling career path within your organization. Complement these with videos that outline clear development pathways, such as mentorship programs, training opportunities, or career milestones. By setting these expectations early, you can build stronger connections and foster loyalty among your workforce. 

Videos that emphasize career growth inspire ambition and align new hires with your organization’s vision for their future. 

Tip #3 – Prioritize accessibility 

Not only is it important to think about the content of your videos, but you need to consider how your new starters are going to access them. Simply cramming people into a classroom and sitting them down in front of the TV won’t cut it anymore. 

Instead, look at how we all access information in our day-to-day lives. We do this on-demand, in our own time, and on our own devices. If your new starters can access and watch short onboarding videos during their morning commute, or squeeze one in at home when they have a spare 15 minutes, they’re much more likely to engage with the onboarding training process and take away the learning objectives. 

For example, a sales rep could watch a video on pitching techniques while traveling to their next client meeting. Additionally, providing subtitles and multilingual options ensures inclusivity for employees with diverse needs and preferences. 

The easier it is for employees to access and navigate your onboarding materials, the more likely they are to succeed. This approach promotes autonomy, a key driver of employee satisfaction and productivity. 

Get started with our free onboarding template 

Tip #4 – Involve your own staff 

One of the best resources you’ve got, and one that you’re probably not utilizing, is the people already in the organization. They’re the subject matter experts and can be used to help you set the scene and paint the bigger picture in your onboarding training. 

Ask key team members to record short videos introducing their departments, outlining their role and responsibilities, or explaining key processes. For instance, your HR manager could create a video explaining benefits, while your IT team demonstrates how to access company systems. These videos not only break down complex information but also make new hires feel connected to the organization. Including diverse voices—from entry-level employees to senior leadership—creates a richer, more relatable onboarding experience. 

Update these videos regularly to ensure they remain accurate and reflect current practices. Feedback from new employees can also help fine-tune the content to maximize its impact. This collaborative approach creates a culture of openness and continuous improvement. 

Tip #5 – Make it personalized 

Remember that all your staff are individuals, and nearly everyone likes to be treated as such—this is especially true of millennials and Gen Z. Adding a personal touch to the onboarding process is a great way to increase engagement with your new starters, and some companies even give their staff individual gift bags on their first day. 

By tailoring your employee onboarding videos to specific roles or teams, you can create a more relevant and impactful learning experience. For example, a software developer might appreciate a video tutorial on company-specific coding best practices, while a marketing specialist could benefit from a walkthrough of your brand’s tone and style.  

Adding small personal touches, like a welcome message from a team leader, can also make a big difference. Gamified elements, such as progress trackers or rewards for completing modules, can further improve engagement. 

Incorporating e-learning into your employee onboarding training can enable you to create personalized learning paths. Your new hire only needs to learn what is relevant to them and their role within your organization. 

Tip #6: Leverage employee-generated content 

Your employees are your most authentic storytellers. Encourage experienced team members to create videos that share their expertise and insights. For instance, a senior engineer could record a clip explaining your company’s technical workflows, or a long-standing employee might share a heartfelt story about their career journey within your organization. 

Employee-generated learning is relatable and aligns with the philosophy of empowering employees to share knowledge. These videos help new hires feel connected to their peers and give them valuable perspectives on the company’s culture and operations. Additionally, featuring diverse voices encourages inclusivity and showcases your organization’s commitment to collaboration. 

Tip #7: Create interactive and scenario-based content 

Interactive videos take onboarding to the next level by simulating real-world scenarios. For example, you could create a video where new hires must decide how to handle a challenging customer interaction or navigate a tricky team collaboration. These simulations allow employees to practice decision-making and problem-solving in a safe environment. 

Scenario-based content builds confidence and ensures new employees are better prepared for their roles. This aligns with Easygenerator’s commitment to active learning and practical application. Adding quizzes or decision-making tasks within the videos can further enhance engagement and retention. Interactive videos encourage learners to think critically and apply knowledge immediately, setting the stage for success. 

Tip #8: Incorporate peer-led tutorials 

Peer-led tutorials add an extra layer of relatability and authenticity to your onboarding program. Featuring team members or colleagues in similar roles allows new hires to learn from those directly engaged in day-to-day tasks. These peer-led segments can include introductions to departmental workflows, role-specific tips, or insights into company culture. 

For example, a senior customer support agent could share strategies for handling common challenges, or a marketing team member might explain how they brainstorm creative campaigns. These tutorials foster a sense of community and show new employees that they have a network of support within the organization. 

Tip #9: Use visual storytelling to highlight company culture 

Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with new employees on an emotional level and help them understand your work environment. Use videos to showcase your organization’s values, success stories, and unique culture. For instance, create a “day in the life” series featuring employees from different departments, or highlight impactful contributions made by team members. 

Visual storytelling not only builds pride and excitement among new hires but also helps them understand the company’s mission and how their roles contribute to it. This approach inspires engagement and fosters a stronger sense of belonging. 

Tip #10: Add quizzes and knowledge checks 

Embedding quizzes or interactive checkpoints within your onboarding videos ensures that new hires are actively engaging with the content. These short assessments can reinforce key concepts and provide immediate feedback, helping employees gauge their understanding. 

For example, after a video on workplace safety, include a quick quiz to test knowledge of key protocols. Knowledge checks keep employees focused and make the learning experience more dynamic. They also provide valuable insights into areas where additional training may be needed. 

In closing 

Don’t view your changing workforce as another challenge to overcome; instead, become involved with what the new generation has to offer through their new ways of doing things. Use videos and e-learning in your onboarding process to get them engaged and excited from the word ‘go’.  

By following these tips, you can create dynamic, accessible, and tailored onboarding training for your employees. From short, focused videos to interactive and scenario-based content, these strategies ensure your new hires feel welcomed and prepared from day one. Remember, effective onboarding is not just about training—it’s about creating an environment where new hires can thrive and grow. 

To kick-start your onboarding program, why not download Easygenerator’s Onboarding Starter Pack?