This New Hire Onboarding Checklist Will Blow Your Mind

As a human resources professional, you understand the value of employee onboarding. From better job performance to higher retention the benefits of onboarding are quantifiable. Failing to properly onboard a new hire can cost you and your business a significant amount of time and money. So to help you we put together this new hire onboarding checklist that will blow your mind.

Get your employees started on the right foot before they even enter the workplace. There is a slew of relevant documents and paperwork that must be filed and prepared beforehand.

This New Hire Onboarding Checklist Will Blow Your Mind

Before Starting Work

Prepare Relevant Paperwork: Transactional Onboarding
Before your new hire starts their first day, you must prepare all of the relevant paperwork and information. Begin finding and recording the employee’s basic information.

• Employee Name
• Date of Hire
• Employee Contact Details
• Additional Information
• W-4
• I-9
• Insurance Forms
• Direct Deposit Forms
• The Non-Disclosure Agreement

Position, Goals, and Tasks
During the training period, your new hire will need to work closely with a supervisor or a trusted mentor. This will help to ensure they are properly oriented to the position, policies, and facilities.

• Speak with the supervisor about the new hire and their role/position within the organization.
• Discuss the set goals for the new hire and appropriate task that will help acclimate the employee:
  • Employee Position
  • Employee Goals
  • Tasks and Projects

Employee Workstation and Equipment
Before your employee starts their first day it is important to prepare their workstation in advance to avoid delays. For example:

• Desk
• Chair
• Telephone
• Computer
• Office Supplies
• (Go the extra mile and have a t-shirt, mug, or backpack with your company’s logo on the employee’s chair or desk.)

Give Access
Prepare all the login information they will require.

• WiFi Password
• Email List of Coworkers
• Department Phone Numbers
• (Remember that there are often additional passwords or keys they will need for their position.)

Company Accounts:

• Company Email
• Company Phone Line
• Company Accounts

Prepare Employees Benefits Package
It is imperative that each of your employees understand what benefits are available for their position. Here is information your employees will require:

• Confirm Position Funding
• Example Benefits Package
  • What they will receive
  • Budget Details
  • Potential promotions
  • Salary Range
  • Vacation time and Health Benefits
• Summary of All Information (Hard Copy & Digital)

New Hire’s First Day

Often, new employees start during busy seasons where deadlines are hurtling towards you at an alarming rate. While your staff tries to keep up with the increased workflow, it is easy to overlook new hire training. To ensure you adequately onboard your new hire, here is what you need to know.

Avoid the confusion by creating a straightforward schedule and make the new employee your number one priority on his/her first day.

Office Tour
Before starting their first day take your new employee around the office. Show them all the relevant and common areas of the workplace such as:

• Kitchen/Break Area
• Bathroom
• Work Station
• Your Office
• Human Resources
• Managers/ Supervisors Office
• IT Department

Your Goals and Expectations
If you want your employee to perform well, you need to tell them what is expected of them explicitly. Give a detailed outline of their position with goals and deadlines. Here is what you should consider:

• What goods and/or services does their position produce?
• What are their long-term and short-term goals?
• What is the impact of their position on the rest of the team?
• What are your expectations for their behavior toward coworkers and clients?
• What organizational skills do you expect?

Company Culture
This step should be handled by your human resources officer or team. Have them speak with your new hire to explain details such as:

• Dress Code
• Arrival Time
• Parking Locations
• Building Access
• Time-Off Policy

Mentor Assignment
Assign your new employee a mentor. This is to ensure they have the opportunity to seek help when needed and work productively. A mentor will help them learn about the job quickly and provide assistance through the transition.

Remember it is essential to assign a mentor that is well suited for your new hire. A mentor should not be in such a high status that your employee feels uncomfortable asking questions or seeking help.