The Ultimate New Hire Onboarding Checklist
Author: Jessica Biggs, Content Manager of BlueTuskr Onboarding new employees is one of the most important aspects of any business because it sets the tone for how they will integrate into your company culture. It can also be one of the most time-consuming and expensive processes. Since employee onboarding significantly influences employee retention, engagement, and productivity, it's critical to get it correct. In fact, a negative onboarding experience can make new employees twice as likely to look for alternative employment in the future. According to CareerBuilder, 10% of workers leave their jobs due to a bad onboarding experience.
As you can see, onboarding is not something to be taken lightly. So to help you ensure that your new employees have the best possible experience, we've put together the ultimate new hire onboarding checklist so you'll be able to get your new hires up to speed quickly and efficiently.
The Onboarding Process
The onboarding program is more than just some new hire paperwork. It is essentially the process of integrating a new employee into the company culture. Therefore, it should be designed to help new hires transition into their roles smoothly and feel like they are part of the team from day one.
The first step in any successful onboarding process is to ensure that you have a plan in place. This plan should include all of the necessary steps and tasks that need to be completed in order for the new hire to be fully integrated into the company. Depending on your business, this could range from something as simple as providing them with a tour of the office to more complex tasks like setting up their computer and email account.
Once you have a plan, it's important to communicate this to all parties involved so that everyone is on the same page. This includes existing team members, managers, colleagues, human resources, and of course, the new hire themselves. New employees should know what to expect from their first day so they can mentally prepare themselves and arrive feeling confident. A collaborative work culture is an integral part of the onboarding process to improve or increase the employee retention rate.
New Employee Onboarding Checklist
Before the First Day
Before the scheduled new hire's start date, you need to prepare all employee forms, HR documents, handbooks, and policies. You should also collect any relevant information from the new hire, such as their emergency contact information and social security number.
In addition, you'll need to set up their workspace by stocking it with the necessary supplies and equipment. If they are working remotely, make sure they have everything they need to do their job effectively. This could include a laptop, software, access to company files, etc.
Last but not least, reach out to the new hire and introduce yourself. You can also provide them with any information they might need to know before their first day, such as the dress code or where to park. A simple phone call or welcome email will suffice.
Some would also assign a "buddy" for the new hire, someone who can help show them around on their first day and answer any questions they may have.
On the First Day
The first day on the job is often overwhelming for new employees, so it's important to make sure that they feel comfortable and supported. One way to do this is by having an orientation. The orientation process should be designed to welcome new employees and help them feel like part of the team.
During orientation, you should introduce the new hire to their colleagues, provide an office tour, and go over company policies and procedures. You should also take this opportunity to review your company's mission and values so that they can understand the company culture.
In addition, the first day is a good time to review the new hire's job description and objectives. This will help them understand their role within the company and what is expected of them. You can also provide them with any training materials or resources they might need to do their job effectively.
At the end of the day, be sure to check in with the new hire and see how they are settling in. This is also a good time to answer any questions they might have.
The First Week
The first week on the job is often spent getting settled into the new role and company culture. New employees will likely spend most of their time getting to know their colleagues, learning about company policies and procedures, and completing any necessary training.
It's important to keep in mind that the first week can be overwhelming for new hires. They are adjusting to a new environment and trying to learn as much as possible. As such, it's important to be patient and understanding. Be sure to check in with them regularly and offer any support or guidance they might need.
At the end of the first week, you should sit down with the new hire and review their progress. This is a good time to answer any questions they might have and provide feedback on their performance. You can also use this opportunity to set goals for the upcoming weeks and months.
The First Month
By the end of the first month, new employees should be settled into their roles and fully acclimated to the company culture. They will likely have completed any necessary training and will be able to work independently with little supervision.
At this point, you should continue to check in with the new hire on a regular basis. Be sure to provide feedback on their performance and offer any support or guidance they might need. You can also use this time to set goals for the upcoming months.
The Efficient Onboarding Process
Onboarding employees doesn't have to be a lengthy or complicated process. There are only three phases to a structured onboarding process.
Preboarding
Onboarding/Training
Follow-Up
Pre-boarding
This is the phase that occurs before the new hire's first day. During this time, you should prepare for their arrival and make sure they have everything they need to be successful in their new role. This includes sending out a welcome email, assigning a buddy, and providing any necessary information.
Review new hire's resume
Add the new hire to the HR system
Prepare new hire's paperwork (tax forms, medical certificates, etc.)
Prepare welcome package
Schedule team lunch
Assign an onboarding buddy or peer mentor
Onboarding/Training
During this time, you should introduce them to the company, review company policies and procedures, and provide any necessary training. You should also take this opportunity to review their job description and objectives.
Give an office tour
Hand out the employee handbook and welcome package
Introduce the new hire to key personnel, team members, and other existing employees
Go over company policies and the company's culture
Schedule training sessions
Follow-Up
Follow-up comes after the new hire's first day, first week, and first month on the job. During this time, you should check in with them regularly and offer any support or guidance they might need. You can also use this time to set goals for the upcoming months.
Check-in with the new hire
Ask for onboarding feedback
Answer any questions
Track progress
Provide constructive feedback on job performance
Set goals for upcoming weeks/months
Useful Tips for a Successful Onboarding Process
There are a few things you can do to make sure that your onboarding process is successful.
Here are a few tips:
Customize the process.
Every company is different, so it's important to tailor your new hire onboarding process to fit your organization's specific needs. For instance, if you have remote employees, you'll need to make sure that your onboarding process includes information on how to effectively communicate and collaborate online.
Set realistic expectations.
It's important to set realistic expectations for both the new hire and the team they'll be working with. This will help prevent any frustration or disappointment down the road. Be sure to explain what the expectations are and how they can be met.
Create a timeline.
Creating a timeline for the onboarding process is a great way to stay organized and on track. Be sure to include deadlines for each task and milestone, so everyone knows what needs to be done and when it needs to be done.
Make it a team effort.
Onboarding is not something that should be done by one person. Involve the entire team in the process and make sure everyone is on the same page. This will help make the transition smoother for both the new hire and the team.
The onboarding process doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. By following these tips, you can create a simple and efficient process that will help your new hires adjust to their new roles and become productive members of your team.
Start Employee Onboarding with Ease!
The hiring process doesn't end when an offer is accepted. In fact, it's just the beginning. The next step is to onboard your new hire and helps them transition into their new role. Onboarding can be a daunting task, but with a structured onboarding checklist and a systemized process, you can make it a breeze.