Welcoming a new team member goes way beyond sending paperwork and assigning someone to shadow a coworker. First impressions matter, and a thoughtful onboarding experience can shape how confident and connected a new hire feels from the start. This is why you, as a manager needs an onboarding checklist.
So, let’s move ahead and see what this checklist contains.
Onboarding Checklist:
Strong onboarding benefits everyone. Your teams will see better productivity, and new hires will feel more confident and supported from the start. That is why having a clear and simple onboarding process matters. A solid onboarding checklist helps you stay organized and cover every step, as well as create a smoother experience for both managers and employees.
Here is everything you need in a new employee onboarding checklist to help new hires settle in faster and succeed from day one.
Pre-boarding
1. Confirm with the HR
Once you select a candidate, the next step is getting approval through your HR team by submitting a job requisition. HR may also run background checks before finalizing the hire, helping ensure everything is aligned and ready before the onboarding process begins.
2. Welcome Email
A welcome email sets the tone before day one. It helps ease nerves and builds excitement about the role. You can include details like dress code, first day schedule, job expectations, and any documents they need to bring for onboarding.
3. Inform Existing Employees
Clear communication keeps workplaces strong. Let your team know about new hires through a simple email that shares their role and background. This helps employees feel involved and makes it easier for new team members to settle in faster.
4. Prepare Employee Paperwork
Have all onboarding documents ready in advance. This includes contracts, payroll forms, tax paperwork, and agreements. Make sure to share a clear point of contact so new hires know who to reach out to with questions.
Onboarding
1. Introduction
Introducing a new hire to the team helps them feel comfortable and welcome from the start. It also makes them feel more human to coworkers, especially for quieter employees. This simple step breaks the ice and builds early connections. This will also help you encourage new team members to feel confident and included, ready to contribute!
2. Welcome Gift
A welcome gift helps new employees feel valued from day one. Simple items like office supplies or company merchandise add a personal touch. This makes settling into their new role feel easier and more positive.
3. Office Tour
For in-person teams, a workplace tour helps new hires feel settled fast. You can introduce them to important people and explain security rules. This would also be a great opportunity to share access codes or keys. Show them where essentials like washrooms, cafeterias, or common areas are located so they can move around with confidence from day one.
4. Introduction to the Workstation
After the tour, help your new hire get comfortable at their workstation. Share login details and access cards they may need. Once everything is set up, they can settle in faster and start their role with confidence.
5. Feedback Session
Check in with new hires a week or two after onboarding. Ask how they are settling in and invite feedback on the process. You can use their input to improve your onboarding experience moving forward.
6. First 30, 90, and 180-day Plan
Long-term onboarding works best with regular check-ins. Meet with new hires at 30, 90, and 180 days to see how they are adjusting. These conversations help you understand their progress and offer support as they settle into their role.
An onboarding checklist brings structure to your hiring process and helps new employees settle in faster. It saves time and creates a smoother experience for both teams and new hires.
