How to Create an Onboarding Checklist for New Employees [Free Checklist]

An effective recruitment process includes a stellar onboarding plan. As the hiring manager, you’re responsible for setting up your newly hired employees for success. Even minor discrepancies in the onboarding process can inadvertently lead to the opposite outcome.

By adhering to a comprehensive employee onboarding checklist, you prepare new employees to start performing at their best from day one. The onboarding process significantly influences job performance and employee retention. 

A well-executed new hire onboarding procedure benefits everyone, leading to success across the board. To ensure the talent you hire gets onboarded right, we prepared a new hire onboarding checklist for you to use. 

Download Our FREE Onboarding Checklist Template

What to Include in Your Employee Onboarding Checklist 

Day 1: Office Basics for New Employees  

✔️ Office Tour 

Day one is a blank canvas—paint it with colour! Start by giving your new employee a guided tour of the company. This should also introduce them to their new colleagues. Besides showing them where photocopiers and coffee makers are, this is also your opportunity to build enthusiasm about the work environment and company culture. 

Does your office come with a game room, a well-stocked kitchen, or a gym? Show it off! The first day on the job should make new hires look forward to day two. In the event you’re onboarding a new hire remotely, you could improvise by giving them a virtual tour of the office with your phone.  

Source: Canva 

✔️ Their Workspace 

Show your new hire their workstation. Have a welcome kit waiting for them on their desk made up of any company merchandise you might have. For remote employees, consider sending a little gift to their home to make them feel welcome. Employee appreciation matters in onboarding and beyond!

✔️ Complete Documents With HR 

On this first day, make time for completing all necessary paperwork with the new employee if it wasn’t done before the start date. This can include various types of forms related to benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and taxes like income tax forms and deductions.

✔️ Orientation 

This is where you share your brand and company culture, familiarize them with the organizational chart, and introduce them to the rest of the team. All of this, including providing clear onboarding information, assigning a buddy for support, and organizing team-building activities, is quintessential to making a new employee feel connected.

✔️ Send A New Employee Announcement 

Let the team know there’s a new kid on the block (or office, rather)! Get everyone excited about the fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and positive energy this new hire is bringing to the table. It’s time to welcome them with open arms and embrace the potential they bring to the team.

Sending an email to all staff members to introduce the new hire can create a warm and inclusive atmosphere within the team. Encourage the team to reach out with a personal greeting to foster a sense of community. It also helps the new employee feel valued and appreciated from the start. This simple gesture can go a long way in building strong relationships and a positive work environment.  

Source: Pexels 

New Employee Onboarding Tips 

Now that the new hire has completed their first day, set up training sessions, assign a mentor for guidance, provide access to necessary resources, and schedule regular check-ins to address any questions or concerns that may arise. Establishing a welcoming and supportive environment from the beginning will help the new hire feel valued and motivated to contribute effectively to the organization.

Week 1: Integrating Into Company Culture 

The first week is about ensuring your new recruit is integrating smoothly into the workflow and culture. These are the central elements to check off your list:

• ☐ Daily Check-Ins
• ☐ Training Sessions
• ☐ Social Activities
• ☐ Give Feedback
• ☐ Ask Them for Feedback

Month 1: Getting Into the Flow  

Before you realize it, your new hire will soon reach the 30-day mark. By now, they should be familiar with the intricacies of their role. Here are some fundamental items to add to your onboarding checklist for month one:

• ☐ Weekly meetings
• ☐ Provide more in-depth training resources
• ☐ Conduct an onboarding survey
• ☐ Hold a progress review
• ☐ Adjust training material as needed

Download Our FREE Onboarding Checklist Template

Simplify the Onboarding Process for New Hires with Ad Culture 

There you have it: our new hire onboarding checklist. However, you need to hire someone before you can actually put it into action! The best way to find an employee worth onboarding is by working with Ad Culture. 

We’ll help you discover the ideal candidate (the unicorn!) who aligns perfectly with your requirements and is destined to become a long-term asset to your company. Hire and onboard talent today!