Expanding your talent pool – How remote working can attract top talent

Remote working opens your business to a world of talent – literally. As hybrid working becomes a must-have for today’s employees, stepping outside traditional local recruitment lets you tap into skilled professionals you might never have reached before. From niche specialists to diverse candidates with unique, fresh perspectives, offering remote or hybrid options gives you a real advantage.

Discover how hybrid working helps attract top talent, the benefits of a broader talent pool, and practical tips for recruiting and onboarding remote employees.

How does remote working broaden the talent pool?

Working remotely hasn’t just changed how we work. It’s changed how we recruit.

When you only employ locally, you’re narrowing your options, especially for those tough-to-fill roles. Remote positions break down boundaries, opening your search to a much wider audience and helping you find the right person – whether they’re 10 miles away or 10,000.

Hybrid working also attracts people who may struggle with traditional office setups, like working parents, people with disabilities, and those from diverse backgrounds. Bringing in talent with varied perspectives also drives creativity, innovation, and stronger problem-solving.

Benefits of a remote talent pool

Remote working does more than cast a wider net, it pushes you ahead of the competition. Here’s how:

• Faster hiring

A bigger talent pool means roles get filled faster. Instead of waiting for the perfect local hire, skilled professionals can hit the ground running – from anywhere.

• Better matches

With location out of the equation, you can focus on finding the ideal person with the skills, experience, and mindset to help your business grow.

• Competitive advantage

Almost two-thirds (58%) of jobseekers are actively looking for remote roles, while 59% prefer employers offering remote work options. Meeting these expectations puts you ahead in the race for talent.

• Local market knowledge

Hiring remote workers with local expertise can open doors to new markets, provide valuable insights, and help you adapt to cultural differences.

Tips for recruiting remote employees

Attracting remote talent takes more than a great job ad. Here’s how to refine your process:

• Be clear about the role

Is it fully remote, hybrid, or tied to specific time zones? Being clear saves everyone time and sets the right expectations.

• Use the right tools

Virtual recruitment tools like video interviews and skills tests create a smooth and professional candidate experience.

• Test for fit

Skills matter, but so does culture. Use interviews to find out how candidates collaborate, communicate, and solve problems in a remote setting.

• Make adjustments

Make sure tests or presentations are remote-friendly so candidates have the best chance to shine.

• Specialised job boards

Post roles on remote-specific platforms like Remote OK, We Work Remotely, or FlexJobs – all great places to reach top remote talent.

• Social media:

Don’t underestimate the power of platforms like LinkedIn, X, BlueSky, or even Reddit for targeting remote workers, particularly in tech and niche communities.

Tips for onboarding remote employees

Onboarding sets the tone for your employees’ experience – especially when they’re remote. Here’s how to make it count:

1. Make a plan

Start with a clear, detailed onboarding plan covering everything from virtual training sessions to scheduled check-ins to help new team members settle in smoothly.

2. Send a welcome pack

Add a personal touch with a tailored welcome pack, including essential documents, a company handbook (if you’ve got one), and some branded items to make them feel appreciated.

3. Set clear expectations

Be upfront about workflows, communication norms, and key goals so people know exactly what’s expected of them.

4. Provide the right tools

Equip your team with the tools they need to communicate and collaborate effectively. See our 7 best collaboration tools for 2025.

5. Build connections

Use virtual icebreakers, team chats, or a buddy system so new starters feel part of the team – even at a distance.

6. Make training accessible

Provide remote-friendly training opportunities so employees can continually develop their skills and grow their careers.

7. Stay in touch

Regular 1-2-1 check-ins show your team they’re supported and valued. It’s a small effort that can have a big impact on engagement and retention.

8. Celebrate small wins

Acknowledge achievements like completing training or hitting a first milestone. Tie these into regular feedback to highlight what’s going well and identify areas for growth.

For more great insights, check out how creating exceptional employee experiences can boost business success.

Find out how to build a strong remote culture

Creating a thriving, inclusive culture can bring out the best in your team. Here are ways to maintain company culture in a hybrid workforce.

Working remotely isn’t just about flexibility. It’s how you find exceptional candidates, fill tough roles, build high-performing diverse teams, and give your business the edge – no matter where your team is.

Need help getting started? Speak to our V-Hub Digital Advisors for 1-2-1 support on everything from remote recruitment to onboarding strategies.