Employee Onboarding Guide: Checklist, Best Practices and Tips for New Hires

Employee onboarding is the process of helping a new hire get settled in their job, team and company. It starts once the job offer is accepted and usually lasts for the first 90 days. It includes paperwork, training, introductions and regular check-ins, so new employees know their tasks, who to ask for help and what their manager expects from them.

This guide includes a step-by-step employee onboarding checklist and best practices for employers, plus practical tips for new hires starting a job. Linked P.S. is a leading staffing company nationwide that helps employers find qualified candidates and helps job seekers find roles that match their skills.

Employee Onboarding Explained

Employee onboarding includes everything a company does to help a new hire learn their job and become part of the team. Most companies split it into three stages.

Preboarding

This happens between accepting the job offer and the first day. It covers paperwork, setting up equipment and sending a welcome message.

Orientation

Orientation usually takes place on the first day. The new hire learns about company policies, benefits, safety rules and meets their team.

Ongoing Onboarding

This covers the first 30, 60 and 90 days. It includes job training, setting goals, mentoring and regular feedback from a manager.

Why New Employee Onboarding Matters

The first few weeks in a new job have a big effect on whether someone stays. Good new employee onboarding helps both the company and the person being hired

For Employers

A clear onboarding plan helps new hires start doing productive work sooner. It also lowers turnover, which saves the time and money spent hiring & training replacements.

For New Hires

New employees who are onboarded well understand their duties, know who to go to with questions and feel comfortable with their coworkers sooner.

New Employee Onboarding Checklist

An employee onboarding checklist makes sure every new hire goes through the same steps and nothing gets missed. Here’s a simple new employee onboarding checklist you can use:

Before the First Day

Send a welcome email with the start time, address and dress code
Complete the I-9, W-4 and direct deposit forms
Set up the computer, email account and system logins
Choose a coworker to act as a mentor or buddy

First Day

Introduce the new hire to their team
Review company policies, benefits and safety rules
Go over the job description and the schedule for the first week

First 90 Days

Meet weekly during the first month
Set goals for 30, 60 and 90 days
Ask the new hire what could improve the onboarding process

Employee Onboarding Best Practices

The best employee onboarding experiences have a few things in common. These employee onboarding best practices work for most companies.

Start Before Day One

Send paperwork during preboarding. This leaves the first day free for meeting people and learning the job

Spread Out the Training

People remember more when training is split into short sessions over several weeks, rather than packed into the first few days.

Assign a Mentor

A mentor is a coworker who answers everyday questions, such as where to find supplies or how a certain tool works.

Set Clear Goals

Tell new hires what they should accomplish in their first 30, 60 & 90 days and how their performance will be reviewed.

Choosing Employee Onboarding Software

Employee onboarding software handles paperwork and tasks automatically, so HR teams spend less time on admin and every new hire gets the same process. When comparing an employee onboarding system, look for:

Digital forms with e-signatures
Automatic reminders for HR, managers and IT
An online portal where new hires can find documents, schedules and training
Connections with your payroll and HR software
Tracking that shows which steps each new hire has finished

Good employee onboarding solutions save HR teams time, reduce paperwork mistakes and help new hires stay organized during their first weeks.

Onboarding Tips for New Hires

New hires also have a part to play in onboarding. If you’re starting a new job, these steps can help you settle in faster:

Complete your paperwork as soon as you receive it
Take notes on names, tools and processes
Ask questions early instead of guessing
Get to know your teammates, not just your manager
Ask your manager what they expect from you in your first 90 days
Give honest answers when asked for feedback about your onboarding

Final Thoughts

Employee onboarding affects how quickly new hires learn their jobs and how long they stay. Employers should plan ahead, use a checklist and meet with new hires often. New hires should ask questions and get to know their team early. If you’re hiring or looking for a new job, contact Linked P.S. to get started.