It has been reported that having a standard onboarding process increases the new hire retention rate by 50%. Statistics also show that 69% of employees who report that they had a great onboarding experience are still employed with the company three years later. Having a set of solid new hire checklists can help improve the onboarding process in a more efficient and effective way.

Onboarding is a crucial step in the hiring process because it is where new hires gain the skills and knowledge to become successful members of the company. It is vital that the new team member feel comfortable and at home with the company’s culture while completing the onboarding process.

Human resources have found that the best way to have a successful onboarding session is to create an onboarding checklist template. This allows all members of the hiring team to work through the steps in the same order with each new employee.

What is an Onboarding Checklist?

An onboarding checklist is a hiring manager’s onboarding buddy. It is a detailed list of every step involved in the hiring process – from the first days to a few months. If used properly, this list ensures that everything was covered in the new hire onboarding process.

What is Covered on a New Hire Checklist?

Although the checklist will cover all the tasks that the hiring manager must complete it also includes information that is vital to the success of the employee.

  • Recruitment Process
  • Role of the Employee
    • Dress Code
    • Start Date
    • Hire’s First Day
  • Goal Setting
  • General Job Training
  • Introduction to Work Environment
  • Meet Fellow Employees and Management
  • Documentation
    • Company Forms
    • Tax Withholding Form
    • Employee Handbook
  • Product Training

This is not a comprehensive list of what is covered in an onboarding checklist. Some companies will include company-specific information including detailed safety information. Checklists can be as minimal or specific as you wish.

First Week Employee Onboarding Checklist

Onboarding is an ongoing process from the day you meet them as potential candidates to the day they leave the company. Once the new team member starts, you will want to complete the following in the first week.

  • Check on Employee Daily to Answer Any Questions
  • Begin Scheduling Additional Training
  • Create Logins for Company Software
  • Recommend Growth Resources and Opportunities
  • Organize Social Activities to Encourage Bonding
  • Gather Feedback to Improve Onboarding Process

This list will change depending on the industry and company you work for because each company will have variations in training schedules, timeframes before an employee can have company logins, and more.

First Month Onboarding Checklist

During the first thirty days, you will want to continue building a lasting relationship with the employee. A few tasks to accomplish in the first month include:

  • Schedule Time Each Week to Meet with the New Employee
  • Confirm that Workload is Appropriate
  • Assist them in Learning Company Software and Systems
  • Provide Useful Feedback on the Tasks they have Completed
  • Facilitate Relationship Building
  • Send an Onboarding Survey to Employee for Feedback
  • Conduct Performance Review
  • Schedule Relevant Training based on Review

You must meet with the employee a minimum of once a week during the first month. This is because as the employee learns their new position they will have questions. Since you, as the hiring manager, have been the employee’s main contact they will feel comfortable asking you questions.

90-Day Onboarding Checklist

Congratulations! Your new hire has been with the company for three months and seems to be excelling in their position. There are a few tasks left to complete on the onboarding checklist.

  • Regularly Meet with Supervisor for Feedback
  • Keep Track of KPIs and Metrics Moving Forward
  • Review Performance Goals
  • Collect Employee Feedback about Onboarding Process
  • Continue to Facilitate Relationship Building in the Organization
  • Consider Scheduling Job Shadowing for the Employee

Remember that the onboarding process is never-ending. You may have checked off every item on the list but it is important to stay in regular contact with current employees. Current employees are a great source of feedback and oftentimes will recommend friends or family members for employee referrals.

Why Use Employee Onboarding Checklists?

A well-executed onboarding process leads to 58% of new employees staying at the company for at least three years. Glassdoor has reported that a successful onboarding process leads to a 70% increase in production after the employee starts.

It is a great resource to have an onboarding checklist that all hiring managers can follow to keep the onboarding process consistent. There are many tasks to complete and tasks can get away from busy hiring managers.

Another benefit to having a detailed onboarding list is that all tasks that are time sensitive such as background checks and drug screenings will never be delayed or skipped. Staying in compliance is always a priority and can be a challenge when there is a burst of new employees to maintain.

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If you are looking to improve your talent acquisition process but aren’t sure where to start, book a demo today. To speak with a member of our customer support team give us a call at (833) 332-8378.