Historic quit rates and labor shortages have taken a toll on the deskless workforce, but congratulations! You’ve found the perfect person for the job. Now it’s time to get everything in order. However, navigating from “You’re hired” to an active employee can be tricky. 

Keeping things streamlined is a must. 

That’s why we’ve created a new hire checklist template. Use it to make your onboarding process seamless for everyone.


What is a new hire checklist?

A new hire checklist is a tool used by companies to onboard new employees. It’s a guide for the employer and new hire to navigate through the process smoothly. The checklist includes a list of tasks, actions, and forms that must be completed during the beginning stages of employment.


Why you need a new hire checklist

When considering quit rates and labor shortages, one piece of the puzzle is often overlooked: onboarding. TalentCards and When I Work surveyed 900 onboarding managers to find out why. 

Sixty-nine percent of respondents chose “very important” when asked about the importance of the onboarding process for new deskless employees. They added that without proper onboarding new hires would most likely fail to execute their roles correctly.

What are the biggest challenges onboarding managers face when training deskless new hires?

Forty-eight percent said that new hires don’t have the necessary skills for the job when they’re hired and need a lot of training.

Twenty-seven percent have difficulty sharing training materials that new hires can easily access on the job.

When asked to choose from a list of tech tools that would help speed up the onboarding process two stood out:

  • A computer-based training platform. 
  • A cell phone or tablet-based training platform. 

Deskless workers outnumber office workers worldwide. The use of onboarding tools is still far more uncommon among them. Using a tailored new hire checklist may help close this gap.


New hire checklist template

Using a new hire checklist template can transform your employee onboarding. The process is simplified by providing a framework that you can customize. Save time by starting with the template we’ve provided and tailoring it to your needs 👇

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New Hire Checklist template


How to create a new hire checklist

Now that you have a template, you might be thinking, “How do I create a new hire checklist?” Let’s walk through the step-by-step process that will help you customize this template to meet your team’s specific needs.

1. Start by reviewing existing resources

These include HR documentation and onboarding materials. Consult with relevant department heads to gather input on essential items.

Think about all the necessary paperwork, like employment contracts, tax forms, and confidentiality agreements. What needs to be done for the new hire to function in their position? Set up email accounts, access to necessary software, and any equipment they might need.

2. Identify essential training modules

These are training essentials that every new employee should complete. This could be orientation sessions, safety protocols, or specific job-related training. This ensures your new hires have the knowledge and skills to excel in their roles.

3. Begin populating the new employee checklist template

As you go through the previous step, keep note of what should go into your template. Assign due dates to these points, specify responsible parties, and consider adding helpful notes to guide the process. Remember to revise the checklist periodically to ensure it remains up-to-date.

Creating a comprehensive new hire checklist sets up new team members for success. By streamlining and customizing the checklist you will make the onboarding process a breeze!

Pro tip: Customize the checklist based on departments and roles. Consider the unique requirements of each. This personalization gives your new hire a checklist aligning with their responsibilities. Now they can hit the ground running.


What are the 4 phases of onboarding?

According to SHRM, 50% of new employees who failed to meet their performance goals did not have a formal onboarding process. 

Having a clear onboarding process is proven to be an effective tool for employee success. Below you’ll find the four phases of onboarding that will help. 

The first phase is pre-boarding, which occurs before the official start date. During this phase, your goal is to create a positive impression and establish clear communication with the new hire. This means sending welcome materials, sharing company policies and expectations, and providing logistical information. Soothe those first-day jitters and create a sense of excitement! 

Next is orientation, where your new hire is introduced to the company’s culture, mission, and values. This familiarizes them with key personnel, departments, and resources. Activities may include presentations, office tours, and team introductions. The goal is to build a genuine connection and understanding of your company.

Once orientation is complete, job-specific training begins. New hires learn the skills required for their role. They complete departmental training, job shadowing, and hands-on experience. The quality of this training is crucial. Your new hire should finish feeling confident they can perform their duties effectively.

Transition is the final phase. New hires gradually integrate into their teams and assume full responsibilities. Your responsibility is to provide ongoing support and feedback. Regular check-ins will ensure a smooth transition into their roles. The goal is to have new employees fully integrated into their teams, performing well, and feeling supported.

To enhance the four phases you should — 

  • Establish clear timelines
  • Provide resources and materials
  • Assign mentors
  • Foster an open communication channel

Create and share checklists with new hires, right to their smartphones

Deliver learning and development resources that employees can access directly from their smartphones.

What are the 5 C’s of new hire onboarding?

Effective new hire onboarding encompasses the 5 C’s: Compliance, Clarification, Culture, Connection, and Check Back. By incorporating these elements you’re on your way to a seamless onboarding experience. 

Let’s explore each C. 

Compliance is essential to align new hires with company policies. This includes ethics, data security, and workplace safety by providing engaging compliance modules. Track and document compliance training to meet regulatory requirements. 

Clarification helps define job roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines. Deliver job-specific training materials and resources. Encourage open communication channels for new hires to seek clarification.

Culture is something each member contributes to. Instilling an understanding and appreciation of company culture helps new hires integrate seamlessly. Introduce the values of your organization through interactive modules and microlearning opportunities. Highlighting success stories within the company gives tangible connections to the culture. 

Connection is important in any relationship. Having an interactive onboarding promotes this. Take the time to introduce new hires to their team, managers, and executives. Encourage team-building activities and facilitate networking opportunities. A strong foundation between new hires and the company will increase engagement.

Check back often with your new hire. They should feel supported throughout the process. You can achieve this with regular check-ins addressing concerns or questions. Provide ongoing training modules and reinforcement materials. Have a culture of continuous learning and providing opportunities for skill development.

Your comprehensive new hire onboarding checklist will ensure that each C is thoroughly covered during the onboarding process. Your new hire is ready to shine!


FAQs

What is a pre-hire checklist?

It’s a handy tool that helps ensure a smooth transition for your new team members. Use it like a roadmap that guides you through the hiring process and ensures crucial details aren’t missed. From background checks and reference verification to gathering the necessary documentation, the pre-hire checklist covers it all. It helps the new employees hit the ground running.

How can a personalized new hire checklist improve employee engagement and performance?

By tailoring the onboarding process to individual roles. It demonstrates a company’s investment in the success of new hires and ensures they receive the specific training needed to excel in their positions.

What are the best practices for updating the new hire checklist over time?

Regularly review and revise the checklist to reflect any changes in processes or policies. Gathering feedback from managers involved in the onboarding process. Conducting periodic audits helps ensure the checklist remains accurate and effective.


New hire checklists lead to employee success

Utilizing a new hire checklist is a valuable tool for organizations to ensure a smooth and successful onboarding process. This approach is particularly crucial for deskless workers who face unique challenges. Embrace the power of a new hire checklist to maximize productivity and enable new team members to thrive from day one.


Key takeaways

  • Using a new hire checklist streamlines the onboarding process and helps new employees succeed in their roles.
  • Onboarding is crucial for deskless workers. Without proper onboarding, new hires may struggle to perform their duties effectively.
  • The four phases of onboarding include pre-boarding, orientation, job-specific training, and transition. Each plays a vital role in integrating new employees successfully.
  • Effective new hire onboarding incorporates the 5 C’s: Compliance, Clarification, Culture, Connection, and Check Back. This encourages a seamless and engaging onboarding experience.
  • Personalizing the new hire checklist based on departments.