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Why Remote Onboarding Matters (and How We Make It Work)

August 29, 2025

Kathy Banach

Onboarding is the first real test for any remote company. At OTGS, it’s how we help new teammates feel supported and connected from day one.

In a remote team, onboarding is not just about training. It gives people confidence, helps them build connections, and shows them how to work successfully from the start.

Behind the scenes, much of this work is led by Alejandro Sanchez, the Deputy Team Leader for the WPML Support team, who also plays a key role in making sure new team members have what they need to succeed. 

Why Remote Onboarding Matters (and How We Make It Work)
Alejandro Sanchez
I think people might not realize that I don’t just offer training. I also try to spot possible concerns or things the new teammate might need to improve, so I can pass it to the team leader or HR team.
Since the training was designed to be fast-paced but avoids too much hand holding, you can instantly see if the person will have what it takes to work remotely.

Building Relationships

A big part of onboarding is about relationships. Alejandro values it because it helps him understand each teammate better, which in turn supports smoother collaboration later.

“Getting to know each person and their role on the team really helps with my other role as Support Team Deputy. If something happens, I always know who to talk to, and how to talk to them. This helps get requests unstuck faster or even helps me understand how to explain the request in the best way possible for it to move forward faster.”

Being Patient Pays Off

Onboarding doesn’t always go as planned. Small problems can pop up at the last minute, and how they’re handled can shape a teammate’s first impression of the company.

“It’s important to be patient. A lot of last-minute issues can happen, and we need to be ready to solve them. It could be something as simple as an account with missing permissions, but the way you handle it gives a good impression to the new team member and motivates them. These small things really set us apart from other companies.”

Growing Together

Alejandro has seen many teammates start through onboarding and later grow into new roles. Watching that journey is one of the most rewarding parts of his work. At the same time, he views onboarding as a chance to develop his own skills in planning, organization, and adaptability.

“Knowing people from the company is key, and it’s awesome to see those people grow. It also helps us grow, because we’re not just problem solvers for our clients, but for our own company too.”

Living Our Principles

In a remote-only company like ours, onboarding isn’t just a process. It’s the foundation for long-term success. Alejandro’s patience, organization, and focus on helping others grow reflect our OTGS Leadership Principles in action. Thanks to his work, new teammates start their journey with the confidence and support they need to thrive.

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