Virtual New Hire is Mariner Finance’s first virtual program for onboarding that allows the organization continued contact with new hires without having to do an onsite visit. The program is assigned to all new branch manager new hires, and to other branch personnel as space permits.
Program Details
Virtual New Hire is an accelerated onboarding curriculum that allows participants to complete their training quickly without losing the social/coaching components integral to a traditional “Welcome Aboard” program.
The program uses the following to streamline the learning process while maintaining the learner’s ability to participate in daily branch operations:
- A virtual sandbox environment
- Field trainer coaching sessions
- Manager check-ins
- Formative assesments
- Summative assessments
With the use of the virtual sandbox environment and videoconferencing, Mariner Finance is able to conduct regular coaching meetings, verify the participant is conducting tasks correctly and efficiently, and provide learners an opportunity for additional in-person help if needed.
Regular field trainer coaching and manager check-ins done on day one and at weeks one, two, three, and seven make Mariner subject matter experts (SMEs) accessible to new employees.
Loan Closing comprises Phase 2 of New Hire training with system comprehension and proficiency in closing loans as key learning targets. Annual Loan Closing Training reinforces, refreshes, and recertifies employees with similar material to the initial training, except without the activities.
Senior vice presidents contribute to the Virtual New Hire program content, offer guidance, and champion the program across the organization. These contributions led to new hire managers being required to complete and submit new hire artifacts and feedback before a new hire may progress.
Results
Employees in this program begin to serve customers 40 days earlier than standard Welcome Aboard graduates. Branch managers who complete Virtual New Hire contribute toward branch totals 73.7 percent greater than the company average at two months. That increases to 93.68 percent greater than the company average after six months with Mariner Finance.
