Employee Onboarding Checklist

New hire productivity takes 8-12 months without proper onboarding, just 3-4 months with it. This checklist covers pre-arrival setup, first day welcome, first week integration, and 30-day milestones. Includes HR documentation (I-9, W-4, benefits), technology setup (email, software, VPN), role training, and culture integration. Average companies lose 20% of new hires in 45 days due to poor onboarding. Coordinate across HR, IT, managers, and teams. Track completion rates, gather feedback, improve continuously.

Pre-Arrival Preparation (Before Day 1)


□ Send offer letter and receive signed acceptance
□ Conduct background check and reference verification
□ Send welcome email with first-day instructions
□ Prepare workspace and equipment
□ Order business cards and name plates
□ Create email account and system access
□ Add to organizational chart and directory
□ Schedule orientation meetings
□ Assign mentor or buddy
□ Prepare welcome package
□ Set up parking access or transit pass
□ Order necessary office supplies


First Day Essentials


□ Greet new employee at reception
□ Provide building tour and emergency exits
□ Issue security badge and access codes
□ Complete I-9 verification
□ Collect required documentation
□ Set up workstation and equipment
□ Provide IT equipment (laptop, phone, etc.)
□ Give office supplies and welcome kit
□ Introduce to immediate team members
□ Review work schedule and hours
□ Explain break and lunch procedures
□ Show restrooms and common areas


HR Documentation & Compliance


□ Review and sign employment agreement
□ Complete tax withholding forms (W-4)
□ Enroll in benefits programs
□ Set up direct deposit
□ Review employee handbook
□ Sign confidentiality agreements
□ Complete emergency contact forms
□ Review company policies
□ Sign equipment agreements
□ Acknowledge receipt of policies
□ Complete diversity and inclusion training
□ Register for required compliance training


Technology Setup


□ Provide computer login credentials
□ Set up email and calendar
□ Configure phone and voicemail
□ Grant software access and licenses
□ Set up VPN access if remote
□ Configure printer access
□ Provide password manager access
□ Join relevant Slack/Teams channels
□ Add to distribution lists
□ Set up two-factor authentication
□ Provide IT support contact information
□ Schedule IT training if needed


Role-Specific Training


□ Review job description in detail
□ Explain performance expectations
□ Set initial goals and objectives
□ Provide department overview
□ Review team structure and roles
□ Explain key processes and procedures
□ Introduce to key stakeholders
□ Review current projects
□ Assign initial tasks or projects
□ Schedule regular check-in meetings
□ Provide relevant documentation
□ Set up job-specific training


Company Culture & Values


□ Review mission, vision, and values
□ Explain company history and milestones
□ Discuss organizational culture
□ Review code of conduct
□ Explain communication norms
□ Introduce employee resource groups
□ Share success stories and achievements
□ Explain recognition programs
□ Review social events and activities
□ Discuss professional development opportunities
□ Share company newsletter/intranet
□ Explain feedback culture


First Week Activities


□ Complete new hire orientation program
□ Meet with direct manager daily
□ Schedule meetings with key colleagues
□ Begin role-specific training
□ Review and understand first assignments
□ Attend team meetings
□ Complete mandatory training modules
□ Set up LinkedIn and update profile
□ Review organizational resources
□ Submit any pending documentation
□ Provide feedback on onboarding experience
□ Schedule 30-day check-in


30-Day Milestones


□ Complete all required training
□ Understand core job responsibilities
□ Build relationships with team members
□ Contribute to first project or deliverable
□ Establish routine and workflow
□ Conduct 30-day review with manager
□ Set 90-day goals and expectations
□ Provide onboarding feedback
□ Confirm benefits enrollment
□ Address any concerns or questions
□ Review and adjust workspace needs
□ Begin regular 1-on-1 meetings


How the Employee Onboarding Checklist works


Begin 2 weeks before start date with pre-arrival tasks: workspace setup, equipment ordering, account creation. On day one, complete documentation, issue credentials, conduct facility tour, make introductions. First week focuses on training, team integration, initial assignments. Schedule daily manager check-ins. At 30 days, conduct formal review, set 90-day goals, confirm benefits enrollment. Use onboarding software to track completion and automate reminders.

Replacing an employee costs 50-200% of their annual salary. Companies with structured onboarding improve retention by 82% and productivity by 70%. New hires without clear expectations are 3x more likely to quit in the first year. This checklist ensures legal compliance (I-9 deadlines), prevents security gaps (access management), and accelerates time-to-productivity. Employees who feel welcomed on day one are 18x more engaged long-term.


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