What Should be on an Onboarding Checklist?

Laura Parker
Apr 2024

When it comes to integrating new employees into a company, the importance of a structured and comprehensive onboarding process cannot be overstated. An effective employee onboarding program not only sets the tone for a newcomer’s career with the company but also significantly impacts their productivity and long-term engagement. Central to this process is the onboarding checklist template, a vital tool that ensures all necessary steps are covered, from administrative setup to personal integration into the company culture.

Creating a robust onboarding checklist involves understanding the essential components that contribute to a successful transition for new hires. These components can range from logistical necessities like workstation setup and access credentials to more nuanced elements like mentorship programs and introductory meetings with key team members. By meticulously planning each step, businesses can transform a potentially overwhelming first few days into a welcoming and informative experience, paving the way for employee satisfaction and retention.

What Should be on an Onboarding Checklist?

What is onboarding checklist

An onboarding checklist is a structured tool designed to guide the integration of new employees into an organization. It serves as a comprehensive roadmap for both the newcomers and their managers, ensuring that every critical step in the onboarding process is executed with precision.

Here is what should be on an onboarding checklist for new employees:

Pre-Arrival Preparations

  • Workspace Preparation: Arrange a welcoming workspace equipped with necessary supplies and technology.
  • Welcome Package: Prepare a package that includes a company handbook, an organizational chart, and branded merchandise to foster a sense of belonging.

First Day Activities

  • Formal Introductions: Organize a tour of the office and introduce the new employee to their team and other key colleagues.
  • IT and Security Briefing: Provide essential training on IT protocols, security procedures, and access systems.

Training and Development

  • Initial Trainings: Schedule sessions that cover company policies, procedures, and the tools needed for the role.
  • Professional Development Plan: Discuss and set short-term performance targets and long-term career goals.

Cultural Integration

  • Social Events: Invite new hires to social gatherings or team lunches to build connections within the team.
  • Company Values Session: Educate about the company’s core values, ethics, and expected behavioral standards.

Creating a detailed onboarding checklist ensures that new employees have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and are introduced to the company culture in a thoughtful, organized manner. This not only helps in reducing the initial overwhelm but also aids in building a strong foundation for their future contributions to the organization.

What should be on an onboarding checklist

An effective onboarding checklist is foundational to any successful employee integration strategy. It meticulously outlines the components that are crucial for ensuring a smooth transition for new hires into their roles and the broader company culture. Here are some of the  key components and benefits of effective onboarding, that should be on every onboarding checklist:

Administrative Details 

  • Employment Forms: Ensure all legal and internal paperwork is completed, such as tax forms, employment agreements, and confidentiality contracts.
  • IT Setup: Allocate necessary technology such as computers, software access, and login credentials.

Orientation Sessions

  • Company Overview: Provide a comprehensive introduction to the company’s mission, values, and key stakeholders.
  • Role-Specific Training: Outline the initial training sessions that cover job-specific tools and processes.

Integration Activities

  • Meet and Greet: Schedule meetings with key team members and managers to foster relationships.
  • Mentor Assignment: Assign a mentor to provide guidance and support during the initial period.

Regular Check-Ins

  • Feedback Sessions: Plan regular meetings to discuss the employee’s progress and address any concerns.
  • Adjustment Support: Offer resources for personal and professional adjustments.

The benefits of effective onboarding include enhanced employee engagement, quicker time to productivity, and higher retention rates. A well-planned onboarding checklist not only helps in assimilating new hires into their roles but also demonstrates the company’s commitment to their success and well-being. This proactive approach ensures that new employees feel valued and equipped to contribute effectively from the start.

How do I create an onboarding checklist template

Creating an onboarding checklist template with beSlick streamlines the integration of new hires by providing a customizable and efficient framework tailored to various roles and departments. Here’s what should be on an onboarding checklist for new hire template:

Identify Core Components

  • List Essential Tasks: Use beSlick to identify and document the essential tasks that every new employee should complete, which could include onboarding paperwork, initial training sessions, and security setup.
  • Department-Specific Requirements: Customize sections of the checklist within beSlick to cater to the unique needs of different roles, enhancing relevance and effectiveness.

Incorporate Timeframes

Integrate Resources

  • Link to Necessary Documents: Embed links to essential documents and training materials directly within the beSlick checklist, streamlining access and usability.
  • Provide Contact Information: Include easily accessible contact information for IT support, HR, and other key personnel directly in the checklist.

Ensure Accessibility

  • Digital Format: Utilize beSlick’s digital platform for your checklist, which can be updated in real-time and accessed from anywhere.
  • Mobile Compatibility: Ensure that the checklist is compatible with mobile devices, allowing new hires the flexibility to engage with their onboarding process on the go.

Review and Revise

  • Feedback Loop: Utilize beSlick’s feedback features to gather insights from new hires and managers, which can be used to continuously refine and improve the checklist.
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly update the checklist in beSlick to reflect new company policies or emerging best practices.

Using beSlick to create your onboarding checklist template not only ensures that all necessary steps are covered comprehensively but also enhances the onboarding experience for new employees by making the process seamless and interactive.

What are the five keys to a well organized onboarding experience

A well-organized onboarding experience is crucial for ensuring that new hires are effectively integrated into your organization. Here are the five keys to successful onboarding process that not only welcomes new employees but also equips them for success from day one:

Comprehensive Preparation

  • Early Setup: Use beSlick to ensure all logistical arrangements, such as IT equipment and access credentials, are ready before the new hire’s first day.
  • Welcome Kits: Create personalized welcome kits through beSlick, including essential documents, company swag, and a detailed first-week agenda.

Clear Communication

Engaging Training

  • Interactive Sessions: Schedule interactive training modules using beSlick that cover everything from company policies to role-specific skills.
  • Feedback Mechanism: Incorporate real-time feedback during training sessions within beSlick to adapt learning paths according to the new hire’s pace and understanding.

Cultural Immersion

  • Team Introductions: Facilitate virtual meet-and-greets or in-person sessions through beSlick to introduce new hires to their colleagues and team culture.
  • Values Alignment: Host sessions that detail the company’s values and ethics, using beSlick to share related resources and examples.

Continuous Support

  • Mentorship Programs: Assign mentors via beSlick who can guide new employees through their initial months at the company.
  • Ongoing Assessments: Use beSlick’s task management features to schedule regular check-ins and assess progress, ensuring continuous support and adaptation to the employee’s needs.

By adhering to these five key strategies, facilitated through beSlick, organizations can significantly enhance the effectiveness of their onboarding processes. This approach not only helps in reducing the initial overwhelm for new hires but also builds a robust foundation for their ongoing engagement and productivity.

What Should be on an Onboarding Checklist?

Harness the Power of Effective Onboarding

A meticulously crafted onboarding checklist is more than just a procedural necessity; it’s a pivotal element in fostering a welcoming and productive workplace environment. By implementing the strategies discussed, such as comprehensive preparation, clear communication, engaging training, cultural immersion, and continuous support, organizations can ensure a seamless transition for their new hires. Utilizing a robust platform like beSlick not only simplifies these processes but also enhances the overall effectiveness of the onboarding experience.

As businesses strive to improve employee retention and productivity, investing in a well-organized onboarding process is essential. This is where the flexibility and capabilities of beSlick can be particularly beneficial, allowing for customization and adaptation to meet the unique needs of each new hire. The platform’s ability to streamline tasks, from preparation to continuous support, ensures that every employee gets the best start possible.

Encourage your HR team to explore beSlick’s onboarding templates and tools to transform your onboarding process into a strategic advantage that drives success and employee satisfaction.

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, Author of The Dirty Word and CEO at beSlick

Alister Esam is a successful entrepreneur and investor, having bootstrapped his fintech software business eShare to international status operating in over 40 countries and servicing 20,000 board directors, before successfully exiting to a multibillion-dollar organisation in 2018. He now invests in a variety of startups and on a global mission to make work, work.