NEW HIRE ONBOARDING CHECKLIST

Employee: [EMPLOYEE NAME] | Job title: [JOB TITLE] | Department: [DEPARTMENT] Manager: [MANAGER NAME] | Start date: [START DATE] | Buddy: [BUDDY NAME]

Before day one

• Send welcome email with start time, location, dress code, and first-day agenda
• Prepare workstation, equipment, keys/badge, and parking instructions
• Create accounts: email, HRIS, payroll, chat, project tools, VPN
• Assign an onboarding buddy and brief them on their role
• Confirm I-9 Section 1 is ready for completion and E-Verify case (if used)
• Notify payroll of new hire, pay rate, and pay schedule
• Prepare new hire packet: handbook, benefits info, org chart, IT guide

Day one

• Welcome and introductions with the immediate team
• Complete Form I-9 Section 2 (within 3 business days of start) and state new-hire reporting
• Collect W-4 (federal) and state withholding forms
• Review handbook highlights: at-will status, anti-harassment policy, PTO, attendance
• IT setup walkthrough: logins, password manager, security policies
• Tour: restrooms, exits, break areas, emergency procedures
• Manager 1:1 — role expectations, first-week goals, how success is measured
• Lunch with the team or onboarding buddy

Week one

• Benefits enrollment walkthrough (deadlines: [ENROLLMENT DEADLINE])
• Job-specific training sessions scheduled with [TRAINERS]
• Review key systems, files, and standard operating procedures
• Assign a first small win: a real task completable within the week
• Manager check-in: questions, blockers, feedback on the first days
• Confirm direct deposit and emergency contact forms returned

First 30 / 60 / 90 days

• Day 30: Manager review — role clarity, training progress, early feedback both ways
• Day 60: Independent ownership of [KEY RESPONSIBILITIES]; peer feedback collected
• Day 90: Formal check-in against 90-day goals; confirm benefits active; celebrate wins