A review of virtual onboarding programs and experiences

Purpose This study aims to examine how virtual onboarding programs have both developed and been experienced by newcomers since the 2020 pandemic. This literature review of 24 articles published between 2020 and 2025 highlights prevalent issues and challenges with virtual onboarding in training organizations. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review of peer-reviewed journal articles published since 2020 was conducted using the following search terms: virtual onboarding, remote onboarding, remote work socialization and virtual employee orientation. A total of 24 articles were included in the literature review. Data analysis consisted of establishing a coding dictionary and repeated scrutinization of data until three key themes emerged. Findings Three overarching themes were identified through coding the articles that fit the search criteria. First, the structure of virtual onboarding programs plays a significant role in shaping newcomers’ experience. Second, socialization, while an essential component of any onboarding program, is more difficult to facilitate in virtual environments and requires formal and informal opportunities to be successful. Finally, the use of technology in virtual onboarding can be both an aid to and an impairment of newcomer experiences. Originality/value The dramatic rise in remote workers since the COVID-19 pandemic challenges scholars and practitioners to understand how organizations are training newcomers to perform their job while socializing them into their work teams. As the first known study examining virtual onboarding programs and experiences across industries and disciplines, this literature review summarizes remote workers’ perceptions of their virtual onboarding experience as well as insight into how organizations are structuring their virtual onboarding programs.