Getting Up to Speed: The Influence of Online and In-Person Socialization on Facilitating Employee Integration Among New Recruits

Abstract

As organizations continue to adopt both traditional and digital work modalities, questions arise about how each setting supports the integration of newly hired employees. While prior research has examined onboarding and remote work practices, few studies have directly compared how in-person and online environments shape the socialization of newcomers. This study addresses that gap by exploring the key differences between these modalities and assessing how each contributes to employee integration. A qualitative design was employed, involving newly hired employees from various industries. Findings show that: (a) while online setups offer flexibility and efficiency in task-related onboarding, they often lack opportunities for meaningful interaction and cultural immersion; (b) remote employees described feeling detached and limited to task-oriented exchanges; (c) in contrast, in-person settings fostered spontaneous engagement, stronger relationships, and clearer cultural understanding; and (d) although some procedural inefficiencies were noted in traditional setups, these did not significantly hinder integration. The study suggests the need for organizations to align socialization strategies with the structural characteristics of their work environments. Facilitating both professional development and a sense of belonging requires approaches tailored to the inherent features of each modality.