Onboarding a new hire while juggling your other responsibilities can be a challenge. Use this checklist to make sure you aren't forgetting anything important!
Updated
April 9, 2025

Use This Template 10-Step Checklist When You Onboard Your Next New Recruit

Onboarding a new hire while juggling your other responsibilities can be a challenge. Use this checklist to make sure you aren't forgetting anything important!

Cover all your bases when you hire your next new employee with this onboarding checklist.

👉 TL;DR

In this article:

We've all been there: it's Friday afternoon, you have a new hire starting first thing on Monday, and you haven't designed their onboarding plan yet. But don't worry, with this 10-step checklist you'll be on your way to a great new hire experience in no time!

10 steps to remember when you're onboarding a new employee

1. Welcome

Create a warm and welcoming environment for the new hire, starting with an introduction to the team and a tour of the workplace.

One of the best ways to get to know your new hire is with a new hire onboarding survey!

2. Team Culture

Introduce the team culture, values, and company mission to the new hire, and explain how their role fits into the larger picture. Consider a team personality test like TeamDynamics to help orient them to the team's ways of working and how they can best communicate and collaborate with their new team members.

3. Tools and Equipment

Ensure that the new hire has all the necessary tools and equipment to perform their job, such as computers, software, and access to systems.

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4. Performance Expectations

Clearly define the performance expectations for the new hire, including goals, metrics, and timelines.

5. Training

Provide comprehensive training on the job responsibilities, processes, and tools that the new hire will need to succeed.

6. Benefits and Policies

Review the company benefits and policies with the new hire, including health insurance, paid time off, and company procedures.

7. Mentorship

Assign a mentor or buddy to the new hire, someone who can provide guidance and support as they acclimate to their new role and the company.

8. Feedback and Recognition

Set up a system for providing regular feedback and recognition to the new hire, to ensure that they feel supported and valued.

9. Socialization

Encourage the new hire to socialize with the team and participate in team-building activities, to build camaraderie and a sense of belonging.

10. Follow-up

Check in with the new hire regularly, especially during the first few weeks, to ensure that they are settling in and have everything they need to succeed.

P.S. Are you looking for an example agenda for a new employee's first week? Get a template calendar of activities to include over a new hire's first 5 days on the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

??What are the essential steps for onboarding a new employee successfully???

A successful new employee onboarding process includes 10 key steps: providing a warm welcome, introducing team culture and values, setting up tools and equipment, defining performance expectations, offering comprehensive training, reviewing benefits and policies, assigning a mentor, giving regular feedback and recognition, encouraging socialization, and conducting consistent follow-ups.

??Why is it important to create a welcoming environment for new hires???

Creating a welcoming environment helps new employees feel comfortable and supported from day one. This includes introducing them to the team, giving a tour of the workplace, and using tools like a new hire onboarding survey to better understand their needs and experiences.

??How can you introduce company culture to a new employee???

Introduce company culture by sharing the organization’s values, mission, and team dynamics. Tools like TeamDynamics personality tests can help new hires understand how the team works and the best ways to communicate and collaborate.

??What tools and equipment should be ready for a new employee's first day???

New hires should have access to all necessary tools and equipment, including computers, software, and system access required for their role. Ensuring these are set up in advance prevents delays in productivity.

??What should be included in performance expectations during onboarding???

Performance expectations should be clearly defined, including specific goals, measurable metrics, and timelines. This clarity helps new employees understand what success looks like in their role.

??Why is training important for new employee onboarding???

Training equips new hires with knowledge about their job responsibilities, workflows, tools, and internal processes. Comprehensive training accelerates their ability to contribute effectively and confidently.

??What policies and benefits should be covered during onboarding???

During onboarding, HR or managers should go over company policies and employee benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off, and other key procedures to ensure clarity and avoid confusion.

??How does assigning a mentor help new employees???

Assigning a mentor or onboarding buddy provides new hires with a go-to person for questions and guidance, offering both emotional support and practical information as they get settled into their new environment.

??What role does feedback and recognition play in onboarding???

Ongoing feedback and recognition help new hires know how they’re doing, encourage engagement, and affirm their value to the team. A consistent feedback loop fosters a positive and productive onboarding experience.

??How can companies support socialization in a new hire’s first days???

Encourage new employees to participate in team-building activities, lunch outings, or informal meet-and-greets. This helps them build relationships, feel included, and integrate more quickly into the team culture.

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