Onboarding checklist

Onboarding Checklist: Everything You Need for a Good Onboarding

A smooth onboarding can be crucial for the integration of new employees. A good start in the team helps new talents feel comfortable and commit to the company in the long term. To ensure everything goes according to plan, the three phases of onboarding should be considered. In this article, you will find practical onboarding checklists for all three phases as well as general tips for a pleasant and productive onboarding. 

Onboarding Checklist: Preboarding

The preboarding process begins even before the first day of work and is intended to prepare everything necessary for a smooth entry. Here are the most important things to consider:

1. Provide relevant documents (e.g. information about the company, employment contract, etc.)

2. Provide all necessary work equipment

3. Clearly communicate expectations

4. Prepare a welcome package and have it ready for the first day

5. Internal formal preparation of documents, personnel files, etc. 

6. Inform the team and designate a contact person

Onboarding Checklist: Orientation

The first days of work serve to ease into the position and provide initial orientation within the company. In this onboarding checklist, you will find the most important points that should be considered during this phase:

1. Greeting by supervisors and the team

2. Tour of the company

3. Introduction and acquaintance with mentors

4. Clear assignment of tasks and goals

5. Introduction to internal processes and tools

6. Initial feedback from both sides

Onboarding Checklist: Integration

The last phase of onboarding is the full integration of the new employee into the team. Here, it becomes apparent whether the integration into the team has been successful or if there are still issues. These things should be considered:

1. Team events for networking

2. Strengthening the personal work environment and social aspects

3. Gathering comprehensive feedback

4. Involvement in larger projects/task areas

5. Development plan and perspectives

6. Plan further training if necessary

Helpful Tips for Perfect Onboarding

1. Thorough preparation: Careful preparation of the first day of work helps your new team member feel comfortable and arrive relaxed. 

2. Clear contacts: Your new employee should always know whom to turn to with problems, to avoid uncertainty.

3. Introduction to company culture: Describe to new team members how work is done in the company, what feedback culture is maintained, and all other important aspects of daily business.

4. Onboarding/task plan: Create a clear plan in advance that will guide the new team member through the upcoming tasks.

5. Design of the first day: The first day of work should be welcoming and perceived as something special. A joint lunch and similar activities should be planned.

6. Regular feedback meetings: Onboarding can only proceed smoothly if problems and questions are openly discussed and resolved.

7. Promote integration into the team: Team events, a dedicated buddy, and other socialization measures help integrate new employees socially into the team.

8. Continuous adjustment: The onboarding process should always be adapted and optimised based on previous inductions.

Conclusion

With the help of these tips, the onboarding of new employees can be organized in such a way that the integration into the team goes smoothly. It is worthwhile to conduct a well-thought-out onboarding to retain employees long-term and increase productivity. If you want to read more about onboarding, feel free to check out our articles on The Three Phases of Onboarding, Onboarding Apps, or Common Mistakes in the Onboarding Process.