How do I use this checklist template?

Copy the checklist into Whale and work through it step by step. Every item can carry its own description, so whoever runs it knows exactly what the step means and what done looks like.

Can I customize the checklist for my team?

Yes. Add your own steps one at a time, write a description for each, and add an input field wherever you need someone to leave a comment or record a result.

Can I assign a checklist and see who completed it?

Yes. Assign it to one person or a whole team, in the office or on the go, then monitor when and who completed which tasks in the insights report.

Is this checklist template free?

The template is free to use. Whale adds the training flows, onboarding, automated workflows and reporting on top for when a checklist becomes part of how the team works.

Setting Up an HR Department Checklist for New Teams

Set the foundations

Define what HR owns and what stays with managers
Agree a budget and decide what to outsource
Map the employee lifecycle from pre-hire to offboarding
Set the first year of HR priorities

Hiring and onboarding

Write job descriptions for every existing role
Build a repeatable recruiting and interview process
Create an onboarding path new hires can follow alone
Set a probation and check-in schedule

Policies and compliance

Draft the employee handbook and get it reviewed
Set health, safety and incident reporting rules
Establish personnel file structure and retention periods
Build a compliance review cycle ahead of any audit

Systems and feedback

Choose an HRIS that fits the size of the team
Document how to run payroll and benefits end to end
Set up a way to collect employee feedback
Define performance review cycles and training paths

Build the department in Whale: document each process with Step Recorder, turn it into onboarding with training flows, and keep the handbook current with expert review cycles.