New Employee Onboarding Template

Also referred to as an employee onboarding checklist, an employee onboarding template helps a company start new hires in the right way. It's a document that outlines what needs to be done as part of the onboarding process.

The goal of an employee onboarding template is to ensure new employees know what paperwork they need to complete, the tools they need access to, and what they need to know to perform their job duties correctly from day one.

A new hire onboarding template is a document that helps new employees transition from being an applicant to a member of the team.

It can include how to access the knowledge base to learn about the company culture, expectations, policies, and benefits. This checklist is designed to help reduce the time it takes to get a new employee up to speed with all the official work requirements before they start their job.

An employee onboarding template also provides the opportunity for the new hire to meet their supervisor or mentor and other team members they will work with initially.

You really should not start a new employee without following an onboarding template or checklist. Here's how you will benefit when you use an employee onboarding template or checklist

1. Consistent way to welcome new team members

Having an onboarding template will ensure you do not miss important steps. By creating an employee onboarding checklist, you don't have to rely on your memory to remember all the things you and the new hire should complete when they start their employment.

2. Reduce training costs over time

New hires who receive proper training on how to perform their job tasks correctly from day one are more likely to stay employed longer. They're able to focus on learning their new job responsibilities instead of spending time trying to figure everything out themselves.

3. Less stress for the employee and manager

When a new employee starts working at a company, they usually feel overwhelmed by the amount of information they need to absorb. When you create a list with what needs to be covered, it can put the new employee at ease and also help the manager relax because they know what they need to do. Onboarding checklists makes it easy to provide new hires with what they need to get started.

4. Better job performance

Employees who are inducted and trained properly are more likely to perform their jobs well. If they're not, they may end up doing something wrong which could lead to problems down the road. Using an onboarding checklist will complete the necessary steps so new hires know how to perform their job functions correctly.

5. Higher retention rates

When new employees are given the correct training and guidance, retention rates increase. Having an onboarding checklist will provide new hires with the information needed to succeed. New employees who are given the chance to ask questions and better understand their role within the organization are more engaged. Employees who feel comfortable and confident in their position are less likely to leave their employer.

6. Reduced legal liability

When you hire someone, you are legally required to complete certain things. For example, you may need to give them a copy of your onboarding checklist, an employee handbook, and explain the rules and regulations of the workplace. You must also inform them of their rights as an employee. These are just some examples of the many things you must do when hiring a new employee. Having a checklist with these items makes it so much easier to meet your legal obligations.

7. Improved communication

If you want to improve communication between you and your new employee, then you should consider using an onboarding template. An employee onboarding checklist will allow both parties to communicate effectively. The new employee knows exactly what is expected of them and the manager knows what they need to cover during the onboarding process.

8. Increased productivity

A good onboarding checklist will make sure you don't forget anything important. It's easy to lose track of what needs to be done when you're busy trying to meet deadlines or attend meetings. A checklist ensures you remember everything you need to get done.

9. Faster integration

Having an onboarding checklist will help you integrate new employees into your team faster. You can easily add new employees to your existing processes without having to go through lengthy training sessions. Your onboarding checklist will also save you money on training costs and lead to better performance.

10. Higher morale

When you start new employees off correctly, you'll boost their morale. Employees will feel appreciated and valued because you've followed an onboarding checklist to complete your orientation process. They're more likely to stick around longer and become loyal members of your team.

Ideally, you want to complete the onboarding process in phases, which is why having a list of tasks included in your template will help.

Here is what you can include in your new employee onboarding template or checklist.

1. Before the First Day

If you're the manager or supervisor responsible for conducting the employee orientation, these are to be included in your checklist of tasks to complete before they start.

• Confirm they have formally accepted the role or position offered via a written contract.
• Inform other team members when and who will be starting work, and what their role is.
• Clear your schedule so you can complete the first day tasks.
• Arrange the proper access or equipment the employee will need, such as security card, workstation, computer, network access, uniform, etc.
• Organize a morning tea or lunch for everyone so the new hire can be introduced to the whole team

2. On Day 1

The first day is your opportunity to make a good impression and help the new hire feel relaxed. Your checklist of tasks to complete on Day 1 can include:

• Welcome the new employee and introduce them to their team members.
• Conduct a tour of the premises, so the employee knows their way around
• Provide their ID, security or key card.
• Give them a copy of the employee handbook and review the company's policies and procedures.
• Show them their workstation and how to access the network.
• Advise them who they can contact if they have questions or issues.
• Complete any necessary paperwork.
• Explain what they can expect on Day 1 and their first week, including what they will be working on initially.
• Answer any questions the new hire may have.
• Explain their role, what the performance review process is, and how it will affect their pay.
• Invite them to a morning tea or lunch with the whole team.
• Check-in at the end of the day to gauge their comfort level and ask for feedback.

3. After Week 1

At the end of the first week, a new hire will know whether they have made the right decision accepting the role with your company. You need to know this information too. Here are tasks to include in your checklist after the first week.

• Review the employee's progress and provide feedback.
• Discuss any concerns or problems they have had.
• Ask about their experience and what they liked most and least about their first week.
• Find out if they need anything to feel more settled in at work.
• Act on any feedback they provide.

4. After the First Month

Onboarding an employee is not a one day or a one-week process. Therefore, it's advisable to also check-in after one month. These are steps you can complete after the first month.

• Follow up with the new hire to see how they are doing.
• Ask what's working well for them and how they think they're progressing.
• Find out what they're unsure about or struggling with.
• Ask what they have observed that could be improved.
• Offer advice or guidance where needed.

Now that you know what's required, it's time to create your template. You can use the Nimbus new employee onboarding template as a starting point. This template will give you a list of tasks you need to complete to onboard your new employee. It will ensure you do all you can to help set up the new employee for success in their job.

If others could also benefit from using this new employee onboarding template, please share it with them.