Employee Onboarding - Checklist
For factual implementation of a well-devised onboarding plan, it is necessary to have employee onboarding checklist. This will work as a reminder to make the employee nboarding an effective and efficient one. Let us now, learn more about employee onboarding checklist.
A comprehensive and well-laid out checklist is a necessary prerequisite for the successful implementation of an onboarding program for the new employees. Keep in mind that the lists in this module provide a place to start. You will have to tailor each checklist to meet the needs of your own organization and also the nature of the job.
Employee Onboarding Checklist is divided into two types −
- Pre-arrival checklist (before first day)
- Post-arrival checklist (during and after First Day)
Now, let us understand what the items in the checklist and their relevance.
Pre-Arrival Checklist
Pre-arrival checklist is required before the arrival of the new employees. It ensures that everything is organized and prepared in the workplace before a new arrival.
Pre-arrival list may include the following −
Sending a welcome email or letter or making call to employee after the offer is accepted; providing him/her details of salary and perks.
Putting necessary equipment and work wear (if required) in place.
Offer for touring the building of the workplace.
Setting up of workstation and telephone, voicemail and Internet access.
Information to the security as to the new arrival.
Apprise the current staff about the new staff’s arrival date and background, etc.
Apprise the current staff about the new staff’s arrival date and background, etc.
The checklists will ensure that no part of the onboarding process is ignored.
Post-Arrival Checklist
Arrival checklist contains all those items that are necessary to make the employees feel at home and learn how to mingle with the new people, new work environment and obviously, a new organizational culture.
First Day
First day leaves a lasting impact on the employees. So every organization puts efforts to make its new employees feel at home. The new employee is welcomed and made comfortable. The employee feels welcomed and prepared to start working; begins to understand the position and performance expectations.
The organization should present only the basic information in an easy-to-digest fashion so as to enable the new employees to turn to the more demanding aspects of his/her job.
The new employees are provided with facilities to access information, security information and keys.
The buddy or the mentor answers any immediate questions the employee may have.
The new employees may be given a tour of the immediate facilities in the workplace.
They are allowed time to settle in and review all of the information provided throughout the day.
They are required to debrief the day, get answers to any pending questions they have and provided with schedule and activities for the next several days.
First Week
In the very first week, the employees get their initial assignment. During this time, the employees gain a better understanding of the organization and their job roles. The employees start learning the basics of organizational culture and standards. They learn and become familiar with standard operating procedures related to their job.
Although the activities the employees perform during the first week vary from company to company and job to job, acquaintance with the new environment and new people gradually takes shape.
First Month
During the first month, the employees become acquainted with work schedule, job duties and expectations. Socialization takes shape and the employees gradually move into the organization culture.
The new employee becomes cognizant of his performance relative to the position and expectations. He continues to develop, learn about the organization and builds professional relationships.
First Three Months
During the first three months, employees get full awareness of his role and responsibilities in the organization. He begins to work independently and produce meaningful work. The new employee now feels at home with the new environment, both functionally and socially.
First Six Months
During this time, the employee develops and gains the required momentum to pursue their job and produce deliverables. He also prepares to take initiatives. His confidence level increases and he is now engaged in the new role while continuing to learn. The new employee is now convinced to discuss with other employees and the boss how things passed on and what else would be helpful for him.
First Year
The new employee is now fully engaged in his new role. He applies skills and knowledge, makes sound decisions, contributes to team goals, understands how his assignments affect others in the organization, and develops effective working relationships.
During this time, he works with some level of autonomy. He has developed himself a strong understanding of organization’s mission and culture. He is confident, ready to take additional assignments. Above all, the employee feels completely at home while working in the organization.
