Charlie Munger, the billionaire investor from Omaha, liked checklists when it comes to doing important things. He said, “Otherwise it’s easy to miss something important”. Onboarding is a crucial step in an employee lifecycle. It is the first time an employee actually experiences how things are done at the company and it can set the tone for the future. Having an onboarding checklist for new employees will help you create a seamless onboarding experience for new hires so that you cultivate a positive, inclusive and welcoming environment from the start. In this article we are going to look at the onboarding checklist for new hires, whether you are doing it online or in person. So let’s dive in.
The Pre-Onboarding Checklist for New Employees
A smooth onboarding process starts even before the new hire starts their first day. In order to ensure this, here are a list of things you can do to help you get started:
1. Send a Welcome Email
A welcome email is a great way to kick off the onboarding process. It sets the tone for the rest of their time with your company and shows them that you are excited to have them on board. Make sure to include:
- A warm welcome message
- A brief introduction to the company and its values
- Important details, such as their start date and time, the dress code, and where to park (if applicable)
- Any forms or documents they need to fill out before their first day
2. Set Up Their Equipment
Pre-plan and set up their equipment in advance so that there are no hiccups on the first day. Computer systems, softwares and access, and any other tools they may need are to be considered. Make sure to:
- Order the equipment in advance
- Test the equipment to ensure it works properly
- Provide clear instructions on how to set up and use the equipment
- Provide IT support if needed
If your new hires are working in-person, make sure to set up their workstations with everything they need, such as a computer, phone, and office supplies.
3. Assign a Buddy or Mentor
Head shot portrait smiling African American businesswoman offering handshake, standing with extended hand in modern office, friendly hr manager or team leader greeting or welcoming new worker
An onboarding buddy or a mentor is someone who helps new hires acclimatise to their new role and the company culture. Make sure to:
- Choose someone who is friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable
- Introduce the buddy or mentor to the new hire before their first day
- Encourage the buddy or mentor to reach out to the new hire and offer assistance
4. Prepare Their Training Schedule
Set your new hires for productivity on day one by curating a well structured training schedule. It will help them get up to speed quickly and efficiently. Make sure to:
- Outline the training schedule and provide it to the new hire before their first day
- Include any necessary training materials, such as videos, presentations, or handbooks
- Schedule regular check-ins to ensure the new hire is progressing as expected
5. Set Clear Expectations
The new hire should be clear about the company expectations. Make sure to:
- Provide a clear job description and outline the new hire’s responsibilities
- Explain the company’s goals and how the new hire fits into them
- Set clear performance expectations and metrics
- Provide feedback regularly
By completing these pre-onboarding steps, you can set your new hires up for a successful onboarding experience.
The First Day Checklist
According to Gallop, only 12% of the employees strongly agree that their company does an amazing onboarding. Most of the time, first day can be either overwhelming or unengaging. Sometimes both. Here is a checklist for you to make the onboarding process as smooth as possible.
Remote Onboarding Checklist for New Employees
Provide an Onboarding Kit
You can delight your new hires with thoughtful welcome kits during the onboarding process. It doesn’t matter where they are working from, welcome kits are a great way to build trust and create excitement. An onboarding kit can include various things like a welcome letter, an overview of the company, the employee handbook, and any other relevant information. Make sure to send the packet before the new employee’s start date, and encourage them to review the materials before their first day.
Also read: Creating an Effective Onboarding Kit for New Employees
Set Up Equipment
Like we already discussed in the earlier part of pre-onboarding, make sure that the new hire has all the necessary equipment they need to start their job. This includes computer, keyboard, mouse, and any other necessary hardware or software. Coordinate with your IT department to ensure that everything is set up and ready to go before the new employee starts.
Schedule a Virtual Orientation
Remote employees should not miss out on orientation. Conduct a virtual orientation that covers the basics of your company’s culture, policies, and procedures. Use this opportunity to introduce the new employee to their team members and set expectations for their first week on the job.
Assign a Mentor or Buddy
An onboarding buddy or a mentor will help the new hire ease into their roles easily. They should be capable of answering questions, providing guidance, and offer support during the onboarding process.
Set Clear Expectations
Remote employees can often feel disconnected. So it is important to set clear expectations from day one. Make it clear in terms of what is expected of them in terms of their work, communication, and availability. This will help you prevent confusion and ensure a smooth onboarding process.
In-Person Onboarding Checklist
Provide a Tour of the Office
Onboarding at the office is a great opportunity to show around the block and help the new hire understand where each people/department worked, have their lunch and coffee, and gossip (pun intended). This will make them feel more comfortable and familiar with their surroundings.
Introduce Them to the Team
You want the team members and immediate leadership team to be aware of the new hire and have an understanding of their arrival from day one. Introduce the new hire to their team members by scheduling a meet and greet or a team lunch to help them get to know each other.
Follow Up
Follow up on the new hire once they complete their initial few weeks. You can ask if they have any concerns or questions once they complete week one or two. Let them know that you are available to help them succeed.
Here is a video for you on the same topic:
Conclusion
With the right onboarding checklist for new employees you can make your onboarding process seamless and successful. Whether you are onboarding a new employee in person or remotely, providing them with an onboarding or welcome kit, setting up clear expectations, and offering support can help them feel welcomed and confident in their role. By using the checklist provided in this article, you can create a comprehensive onboarding process for your new employees. If you need help streamlining your onboarding process, please reach out to us.
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