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How to get your new hires onboarded and rearing to go!
You might be wondering, what is a new hire checklist? It’s a structured guide that ensures all the crucial steps are covered when onboarding a new employee, from the first day to full integration.
Designed with the savvy but time-pressured manager and growing business in mind, this onboarding checklist for managers template isn’t just a document; it’s your first step toward building a thriving, energetic workplace. It’s designed to help you create an epic onboarding program.
This tool is not just a list; it’s your secret weapon for seamlessly integrating new team members into your business’s unique rhythm and culture.
In the subsequent sections, we’ll explore
- What a new hire checklist for managers template entails,
- How it differs from an employee onboarding template,
- Why it’s essential, and
- What you should include in it
We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to give you a well-rounded understanding of the process.
It’ll help you avoid common onboarding mistakes and empower new hires in no time!
Let’s dive in!
What is an onboarding checklist for managers?
A new hire checklist for managers is a structured framework that guides managers through the initial steps of integrating a new employee into their team. It ensures that all logistical, administrative, and interpersonal steps are covered, making the transition smooth and efficient.
A comprehensive onboarding checklist for managers typically includes several key tasks like preparing a workspace, job-specific training, and reviewing policies and procedures.
This checklist serves as a day-to-day guide to equip managers with the tools needed to welcome, train, and engage their new team members right from day one.
Not only that but it’s like to ease anxiety for both managers AND new hires. It also serves as an essential component of any great onboarding program.
Difference Between a New Hire Checklist for Managers and an Employee Onboarding Template
While they may sound similar, a new hire checklist for managers and an employee onboarding template serve distinctly different purposes. The onboarding template focuses on the broader process, while the checklist is more specific to a manager’s tasks.
The new hire checklist focuses specifically on the tasks a manager needs to complete to prepare for and integrate a new employee.
In contrast, an employee onboarding template is broader and typically includes a timeline of the entire onboarding process from pre-boarding to full integration. An onboarding template for managers focuses on the specific responsibilities a manager must fulfill during the early days of an employee’s journey, ensuring nothing is left to chance.
Josh Fechter from HR University on onboarding new employees.
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Why Do You Need an Onboarding checklist for managers?
The importance of a structured new hire process and well structured onboarding cannot be overstated.
According to a Harvard Business Review study, up to 20% of new hire turnover occurs within the first 45 days of employment. The same study found that organizations with a standardized onboarding process experience 50% greater new hire retention and 62% greater new hire productivity.
And a survey by CareerBuilder found that 72% of employees with a negative onboarding experience were more likely to share it online, affecting the company’s ability to attract future talent.
Making sure managers are equipped with a manager onboarding checklist template ensures that no important steps are overlooked, helping create a consistent and positive first experience for new hires. “A detailed onboarding checklist for managers guarantees that each step of the process is handled systematically, reducing the risk of missed tasks, ensuring a smoother experience for both managers and new hires, while retaining top talent.
What’s Included in a onboarding checklist for managersTemplate?
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A comprehensive onboarding checklist for managers typically includes:
1. A welcome package
Kick things off with a bang! Our pre-welcome pack isn’t just swag; it’s your new hire’s first taste of your company culture, complete with essential paperwork and a sneak peek at what their first day will look like.
2. Pre-arrival Preparations
Before they step foot in the office, make sure their gear is set. From tech setups to access badges and a neatly organized workspace, everything should be mission-ready to help them blast off smoothly.
3. Welcome and Introduction
Give them a grand tour of the universe they’ve just joined! Roll out a day packed with team introductions, immersive training sessions, and, of course, a celebratory welcome lunch to fuel up for the journey ahead.
4. Reviewing policies and procedures
Don’t let them float adrift! Make sure they’ve got a firm grasp of the employee handbook, safety protocols, and all those crucial compliance cosmos.
5. Job-specific Training
Every role has its unique controls. Provide tailored training modules that transform rookies into seasoned spacefarers in their specific job functions. This includes new hire onboarding training and job-specific training for the new hire
6. Goal Setting, professional development, and expectations
Set coordinates for success! Establish short-term goals and review job roles and expectations for learning.
7. Feedback and Evaluation
Scheduled check-ins to provide feedback and address any questions or concerns from the new hire.
Tips for managers for onboarding new hires
New hires are like Dory’s swimming in a brand new ocean and more than likely feel really overwhelmed.
As a manager, if you really want to ensure that your new hires buy into the company mission and are excited to contribute, you’ll need to consider the 5C’s of onboarding. Using a manager onboarding checklist template ensures you can cover these 5C’s systematically and build a strong foundation for your new hire’s success.
- Culture ✨
- Clarity 👍
- Connection 💜
- Compliance 📃
- Checkback ✅
And confidence 🏂
Okay, that’s 6 but the more you make stay complicit with the first 5 activities, the more confidence you will create in your new hire.
The more you establish a connection with your new hire, the more likely you are to help them integrate into the culture. The more clarity you create regarding expectations, the more compliance you’ll have a result. The more you check back with your new hire, the easier it will be to achieve culture, clarity, connection, and compliance.
FAQs About New Hire Checklist for Managers
How soon should a manager start preparing the new hire checklist?
Preparation should begin as soon as the hiring decision is made, ideally a few weeks before the new employee starts.
Can the new hire checklist be customized for different roles?
Absolutely! It’s beneficial to tailor the checklist to meet the specific needs of different roles within your organization to address various departmental nuances.
What role does technology play in modern onboarding practices?
Onboarding software and technology makes like easier for everyone!
It streamlines the process, from automating tasks to acting as a learning reasource. Tools like onboarding software enable efficient management of documents, and training, making the process more engaging for everyone. It even helps you measure the impact and effectiveness of employee onboarding.
Is there a difference in the checklist for remote vs. in-office employees?
Yes, remote employees may require additional considerations, such as virtual tools setup, digital onboarding sessions, and ways to build connection remotely.
By leveraging a well-crafted new hire checklist, managers can transform the daunting task of hiring into an opportunity to impress and engage new talent from day one. Remember, the goal is not just to onboard but to onboard effectively, setting the stage for mutual growth and success.
How long should onboarding take?
New employee onboarding can take anywhere from 30 days up to one year.
Ideally new hires should have at least a 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and have objectives in place to reach within the first year.
What are the 5 C's of new hire onboarding for new managers?
The 5 C’s of new hire onboarding for managers are:
- Clarity: Ensuring new hires understand their roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
- Compliance: Familiarizing employees with legal and company policies.
- Culture: Immersing new hires into the company’s values and work environment.
- Connection: Building relationships within the team and broader organization.
- Check-In: Regular feedback sessions to support and address concerns during the onboarding process.
How do I onboard as a new manager?
To successfully onboard as a new manager, begin by ensuring paperwork is complete and informing relevant stakeholders about the promotion. In the first week, schedule 1:1s with your direct reports, get system access, and familiarize yourself with company policies. Gradually increase your understanding of management responsibilities by Week Two, with regular check-ins and goal setting by Month One. Continue building relationships, practicing feedback, and integrating into the team. After 90 days, have career conversations and solicit feedback from your direct reports.
What is the manager method of onboarding?
The manager method of onboarding is a structured approach that equips new or promoted managers with the tools, resources, and guidance necessary to succeed in leadership roles. It goes beyond regular employee orientation, focusing on leadership skills, company culture, performance expectations, and team development. Key elements include clear communication of responsibilities, access to essential tools, training on company policies, ongoing mentorship, and a deep dive into the organization’s mission and values. This method ensures managers are fully integrated and effective.
Use our templates to fast-track your documentation
Customize this template and 100s of others for free in Whale, the fastest way to get your team aligned.
