new employee onboarding checklist and process

Pre-Arrival Preparation

First Day Orientation

  • Gather in the designated meeting room.
  • Introduce HR representatives and team members.
  • Discuss the agenda for the day.
  • Encourage informal interaction and networking.
  • Provide an overview of the onboarding process.
  • Present the company's mission and vision.
  • Discuss core values and how they are practiced.
  • Share examples of cultural initiatives.
  • Encourage discussion about the culture.
  • Provide resources for further reading.
  • Distribute the employee handbook.
  • Highlight key policies (e.g., attendance, dress code).
  • Explain the process for reporting issues.
  • Discuss compliance and safety procedures.
  • Provide resources for policy clarification.
  • Begin at the main entrance.
  • Show key areas: restrooms, break rooms, and exits.
  • Introduce important facilities (e.g., conference rooms).
  • Highlight emergency exits and safety equipment.
  • Encourage questions about the layout.
  • Assign workstations based on team needs.
  • Provide necessary equipment (laptop, phone, etc.).
  • Assist with logging into systems.
  • Ensure software and tools are installed.
  • Review tech support contact information.
  • Present an organizational chart.
  • Introduce key team members and their roles.
  • Explain reporting lines and collaboration.
  • Provide contact info for key stakeholders.
  • Encourage reaching out for support.
  • Prepare welcome kits in advance.
  • Include items like notebooks, pens, and swag.
  • Hand out the employee handbook.
  • Explain the purpose of each item.
  • Encourage personalization of workspaces.
  • Discuss the job description in detail.
  • Clarify key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Set initial goals and objectives.
  • Explain the evaluation process.
  • Encourage open communication about expectations.
  • Introduce the mentor in person.
  • Explain the mentor's role in onboarding.
  • Encourage the new employee to ask questions.
  • Schedule check-ins for the first weeks.
  • Foster a supportive relationship.
  • Present current team projects and their objectives.
  • Discuss timelines and team contributions.
  • Highlight upcoming deadlines and deliverables.
  • Encourage involvement in discussions.
  • Provide resources for project details.
  • Review available benefits options and eligibility.
  • Assist with completing necessary forms.
  • Explain healthcare enrollment deadlines.
  • Discuss additional benefits (e.g., retirement plans).
  • Provide contact information for benefits questions.
  • Allow time for open discussion.
  • Encourage the new employee to voice concerns.
  • Address questions thoroughly and patiently.
  • Reiterate availability for future questions.
  • Create a welcoming environment for inquiries.
  • Provide a detailed first-week schedule.
  • Highlight training sessions and meeting times.
  • Discuss expectations for each session.
  • Encourage preparation for meetings.
  • Clarify any scheduling conflicts.

Training and Development

  • Identify required skills for the role.
  • Select appropriate training programs or resources.
  • Coordinate with trainers or training departments.
  • Set dates and times for the sessions.
  • Communicate schedule to the new employee.
  • Choose an experienced employee as the mentor.
  • Introduce the new hire to the mentor.
  • Explain the mentor's role and expectations.
  • Encourage regular check-ins between the mentor and new employee.
  • Provide resources for the mentor to assist the new hire.
  • Outline key performance indicators for the role.
  • Discuss specific goals for the first 30, 60, and 90 days.
  • Clarify how performance will be evaluated.
  • Allow time for questions and clarifications.
  • Document the discussion for future reference.
  • Plan activities that align with team dynamics.
  • Schedule events during work hours or as after-work events.
  • Encourage participation from all team members.
  • Provide materials or resources needed for the activities.
  • Gather feedback to improve future team-building efforts.
  • Set recurring dates for one-on-one meetings.
  • Prepare an agenda for each check-in to guide discussions.
  • Encourage open dialogue about challenges and successes.
  • Document feedback provided during each meeting.
  • Adjust goals and plans as necessary based on discussions.
  • Identify key aspects of company culture to cover.
  • Schedule sessions led by experienced employees or HR.
  • Engage participants through discussions and activities.
  • Provide materials for further reading on company values.
  • Collect feedback on the effectiveness of the workshops.
  • Discuss the employee's career aspirations and interests.
  • Identify skills and experiences needed for growth.
  • Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
  • Outline steps and resources for achieving these goals.
  • Review and adjust the plan regularly.
  • Identify roles that the new employee can shadow.
  • Coordinate shadowing schedules with involved colleagues.
  • Discuss objectives and expectations for the shadowing experience.
  • Encourage questions during the shadowing process.
  • Gather feedback after the experience to enhance future shadowing.
  • Facilitate a goal-setting workshop or session.
  • Provide templates or tools for goal-setting.
  • Discuss the importance of aligning goals with company objectives.
  • Encourage accountability by sharing goals with a mentor.
  • Review goals periodically to track progress.

Compliance and Documentation

  • Obtain forms from HR portal or HR representative.
  • Fill out tax forms accurately with personal details.
  • Provide banking information for direct deposit setup.
  • Review all forms before submission for completeness.
  • Submit forms to HR before the deadline.
  • Access the employee handbook via company intranet.
  • Read through all sections thoroughly.
  • Note any questions or clarifications needed.
  • Sign the acknowledgment page electronically or physically.
  • Return the signed document to HR.
  • Schedule a meeting with HR or compliance officer.
  • Review the confidentiality agreement in detail.
  • Discuss the importance of confidentiality in the workplace.
  • Confirm understanding of compliance training requirements.
  • Sign the agreement if acceptable.
  • Attend a benefits orientation session or meeting.
  • Review benefits options available to employees.
  • Ask questions about coverage, costs, and enrollment deadlines.
  • Select preferred benefits and complete enrollment forms.
  • Submit enrollment forms to HR by the deadline.
  • Identify required certifications or training for your role.
  • Access training materials or platforms as instructed.
  • Set aside dedicated time to complete the training.
  • Submit proof of completion to your supervisor or HR.
  • Follow up on any outstanding certifications.
  • Obtain the I-9 form from HR or online.
  • Complete Section 1 of the I-9 form.
  • Provide original documents that establish identity and work eligibility.
  • HR will complete Section 2 after document review.
  • Ensure the form is submitted within three days of starting.
  • Obtain the NDA document from HR.
  • Read through the NDA carefully and understand the terms.
  • Discuss any clauses that are unclear with HR.
  • Sign the NDA if you agree to the terms.
  • Return the signed document to HR promptly.
  • Gather all relevant licenses or certifications.
  • Make copies of each document for records.
  • Submit copies to HR or designated personnel.
  • Ensure originals are kept in a safe place.
  • Confirm receipt and storage with HR.
  • Request a copy of the workplace safety manual.
  • Review safety policies and emergency procedures.
  • Attend safety training sessions as scheduled.
  • Understand reporting procedures for safety incidents.
  • Acknowledge understanding of safety policies with HR.
  • Access the training module through the learning platform.
  • Complete the training at your own pace.
  • Take notes on key points covered in the training.
  • Pass any assessments or quizzes required.
  • Submit completion certificate to HR.
  • Identify mandatory compliance training for your position.
  • Complete required training before the deadline.
  • Keep records of completion for your files.
  • Discuss any additional training needs with your supervisor.
  • Ensure compliance training is up-to-date.
  • Access the data protection policy document.
  • Read and understand your responsibilities regarding data.
  • Note any specific regulations applicable to your role.
  • Discuss any queries with HR or compliance officer.
  • Acknowledge understanding of data privacy policies.
  • Receive login credentials for HR systems from HR.
  • Log in and navigate to the employee profile section.
  • Input personal information accurately as required.
  • Upload any necessary documents or certifications.
  • Verify and save your profile information.
  • Provide required information for background check.
  • Complete any necessary consent forms.
  • Follow up with HR regarding check status.
  • Ensure documentation is filed in your HR record.
  • Address any issues that arise from the background check.
  • Request access to the timekeeping policy document.
  • Review procedures for clocking in and out.
  • Understand expectations for attendance and punctuality.
  • Clarify any questions with your supervisor.
  • Acknowledge understanding of timekeeping policies.
  • Obtain any additional compliance documents from HR.
  • Review each document thoroughly for understanding.
  • Discuss any unclear clauses with HR or legal.
  • Sign documents as required.
  • Return signed copies to HR promptly.
  • Set reminders for scheduled compliance training dates.
  • Attend all refresher training sessions as required.
  • Review any updates to compliance regulations.
  • Document attendance and completion of refreshers.
  • Discuss any further training needs with your manager.

Integration and Follow-up

  • Determine frequency and duration of meetings.
  • Set agenda items to discuss progress and concerns.
  • Document notes and action items from each meeting.
  • Ensure follow-up on discussed topics in subsequent meetings.
  • Identify activities that promote collaboration and engagement.
  • Schedule events that accommodate everyone's availability.
  • Encourage participation and gather feedback post-activity.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of activities for future planning.
  • Share a calendar of upcoming events with new hires.
  • Highlight the benefits of attending and networking.
  • Offer to accompany new hires to their first events.
  • Collect feedback to understand engagement levels.
  • Develop a survey or questionnaire for new hires.
  • Schedule a time to discuss feedback in person.
  • Analyze responses to identify areas for improvement.
  • Share findings with relevant stakeholders.
  • Set specific goals with measurable outcomes.
  • Schedule reviews at each interval to assess progress.
  • Document achievements and areas needing support.
  • Adjust goals as necessary based on performance.
  • Select a mentor with relevant experience and skills.
  • Facilitate an introduction between the new hire and mentor.
  • Encourage regular check-ins for guidance and support.
  • Monitor the relationship and adjust pairings if needed.
  • Identify key personnel relevant to the new hire's role.
  • Arrange introductory meetings or informal gatherings.
  • Provide context on each stakeholder's role and contributions.
  • Encourage ongoing communication with these contacts.
  • Set a specific date and time for the session.
  • Prepare topics for discussion based on prior feedback.
  • Encourage open dialogue about the onboarding experience.
  • Document key takeaways for future reference.
  • Compile a list of internal networking groups and events.
  • Share online platforms for connecting with colleagues.
  • Encourage participation in employee resource groups.
  • Highlight success stories of networking benefits.
  • Set aside time in meetings for sharing experiences.
  • Create a supportive atmosphere for open dialogue.
  • Recognize contributions publicly to boost morale.
  • Follow up on shared challenges to offer assistance.
  • Schedule casual catch-ups to discuss integration.
  • Ask open-ended questions about the culture experience.
  • Be approachable for ongoing conversations and support.
  • Document insights and adjust approaches accordingly.
  • Assess skill gaps and training interests from feedback.
  • Research available training programs and resources.
  • Encourage enrollment in relevant training sessions.
  • Follow up post-training to assess effectiveness.
  • Discuss career aspirations and areas for growth.
  • Outline specific steps and timelines for development.
  • Incorporate feedback from performance reviews.
  • Schedule regular updates to the development plan.
  • Select a platform that encourages interaction (e.g., Slack, forum).
  • Promote the forum and encourage participation.
  • Facilitate initial discussions to kickstart engagement.
  • Monitor and moderate discussions to ensure positivity.
  • Collect feedback regularly from new hires and stakeholders.
  • Analyze and identify patterns or common concerns.
  • Make necessary adjustments to the onboarding process.
  • Communicate changes and improvements to all relevant parties.