New Hires Onboarding and Checklist

“Work smarter, not harder” always seems to be our mantra when trying to balance time management and projects.  It’s a great idea, but sometimes the “how to” can escape us.  Onboarding a new employee, while an essential part of the business model, can seem time consuming but it doesn’t have to be if you have a few key processes in place.

Pre-Employment Screening

Once you have selected the talent most compatible with your organization, the job of onboarding begins before the hiring process is finished.   Pre-employment screening will help validate your confidence in your new hire selection, with varying levels of urgency.

Depending on your industry, the screening process can range from drug testing and DUI/driving records to address and confirmation of employment history.  Regardless of the type of screening you choose, you will have made sure that there isn’t anything in the employee’s background that would raise a red flag for the position in which they’re being considered.

New Hire Forms

The bulk of your new hire orientation checklist will include paperwork.  While they may feel tedious and time consuming, the forms are necessary.

Some of these forms ensure both employee and employer have the proper documentation, such as employment classifications (I9 Form), necessary tax information (W4 and various state withholding forms).

A well-written handbook can help cover information that is key to your employee’s success within the company.  It should cover payment schedule, verify payroll information, as well as benefit enrollment and information.  It can also provide information to the employee about the position in general.  Clearly outlining job responsibilities to holiday observances, work schedules and paid time off policies, security and office rules will provide the employee with a comprehensive overview of what the company expectations are.

Training

Each business has a unique and specific way of operating, and providing dedicated training for new employees is key to integrating them into the workplace.

Training may take place online with tutorials and videos, one-on-one shadowing, groups in person or online, and self-paced book learning.  A well-rounded training program typically has all of these items incorporated to allow employees to take advantage of the type of training that works best for them.  In addition to teaching about your systems and processes, a new employee will also learn about the company culture.  In order to be successful, a workforce needs to operate toward a common goal, no matter what the individual employee’s duties.   Take your time during the training process, as it is best to get things done right the first time.  This will also allow you to check in with your employee, and make sure that the information and mindset that you want is being conveyed.

Outsourcing

Onboarding employees is a necessary and typical step in any company, however some business owners may not have the additional time to devote to the process.  While in-person training is still essential, there are options for HR and payroll solutions to outsource some aspects of new hire orientation.