Move every new employee from accepted offer to productive, safe, and supported team member through a consistent handoff.
A candidate accepts a written offer and a start date is confirmed.
The employee has the access, training, expectations, and scheduled follow-up needed to perform the role.
Open the onboarding checklist
Create the employee record; confirm legal name, role, manager, location, start date, pay classification, and required documents. Assign one checklist owner.
ACCOUNTABLE: HR / Office leadPrepare access and equipment
Request email, software, building access, device, uniforms, tools, and role permissions. Use least-privilege access and test every item before the start date.
ACCOUNTABLE: IT / OperationsSend the welcome plan
Send arrival time, location, parking or login details, dress expectations, first-day agenda, manager contact, and documents to bring at least two business days before starting.
ACCOUNTABLE: Hiring managerRun day-one orientation
Welcome the employee, complete required paperwork, review safety and conduct expectations, explain the company and role, introduce the team, and confirm how to ask for help.
ACCOUNTABLE: Hiring managerTrain and verify
Use the role training checklist. Demonstrate each critical task, observe the employee performing it, correct gaps, and record sign-off only after the standard is demonstrated.
ACCOUNTABLE: TrainerSet expectations
Review the job description, priorities, schedule, communication rhythm, quality standards, escalation path, and the measures used to evaluate success.
ACCOUNTABLE: Hiring managerComplete follow-ups
Hold documented check-ins after the first week and at 30, 60, and 90 days. Remove blockers, provide feedback, and update the development plan.
ACCOUNTABLE: Hiring managerControl rules
- Do not share passwords or reuse another employee’s account.
- Do not mark training complete until the employee demonstrates the task.
- Escalate missing payroll, safety, licensing, or system-access items before affected work begins.
Required records
- Signed employment documents
- Access and equipment checklist
- Training acknowledgements
- Role competency sign-offs
- 30/60/90-day check-in notes