New hire orientation checklist: 10 Best practices

Stepping into a new role is no easy task. It can be overwhelming for new hires as they encounter new faces, processes, and expectations. That’s why it’s extremely important to show them the ropes right from day one.

Guide new joiners in meeting key team members, learning about the company culture, and getting a clear picture of what success looks like in their new role. More than just paperwork, orientation is the first step in making them feel like they’re part of the team. Explore this new hire orientation checklist to learn more.

What is new hire orientation?

New hire orientation is the blueprint for helping new employees thrive. It's your first opportunity to help employees get to know the company culture and equip them with everything they need to adjust to their new roles and fulfill their responsibilities.

Orientation is different from onboarding. Orientation is just one part of the continuous and larger onboarding process that begins with hiring and ends when a new team member has completely settled into their position. It typically happens on the employee’s first day on the job and is crucial to spark the initial connection that sets the tone for long-term engagement and productivity.

Let’s dive into this list of the 10 orientation best practices to make your employees feel supported and valued from the get-go.

1. Lay the groundwork for success before day one

Preparing for welcoming new team members should start well ahead of their first day. To make sure that you have everything they need for their orientation, send a warm email with details on time, location, dress code, and other important information.

You can also have all the documents necessary, such as tax forms, NDAs, and other benefit forms, ready for them. It can also help to set up equipment beforehand, so their desk, laptops, and other necessary tools are easily available. Plus, one great way to reduce first-day anxiety is to share the new employee orientation agenda in advance so they have a clear sense of what to expect.

2. Ditch the paperwork

Streamline the orientation by going digital. You can use an onboarding platform where new team members can access everything from forms to training materials. 

An LMS for employee training often has a centralized digital resource hub where employees can find all the necessary information, minus the paperwork. SC Training’s Briefcase is a tool where you can store files like PDFs and new hire orientation videos so teams can reference them whenever and wherever with mobile access.

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3. Introduce the company

A crucial element of your new hire orientation checklist is equipping new employees with comprehensive knowledge about the company. This includes everything from the company's history and mission to key policies on leaves, benefits, and compensation.

This is also an ideal opportunity to highlight different avenues for growth within the organization. You can let them know about training activities, mentorship programs, and career advancement paths.

4. Introduce the new hires to all teams

While introducing new hires to their immediate team is a vital aspect of the orientation process, it's also important to familiarize them with other teams across the organization. This helps new employees understand how all departments do their part to contribute to the company’s overall mission.

Building connections with members outside their own team also gives a broader sense of belonging while fostering collaboration. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage collaboration and teamwork so insights are shared across functions.

5. Schedule one-on-one time

One-on-one meetings are a great way to foster personal connections. For a new hire, one-on-one time should be scheduled with the direct supervisor or manager to discuss role expectations and immediate goals.

In the latter part of the new hire onboarding process, you should also schedule one-on-one meetings with key team members to build rapport. A session with an HR representative can also be helpful to address any administrative questions that they may have.

6. Give out employee welcome kits

A thoughtfully curated welcome kit creates a positive first impression. Employee welcome packets are a great way to make new hires feel excited about joining the company. Some key items you can include in the kit are branded merchandise like a company shirt, essential supplies such as a notebook and pen, a personalized note, and an employee handbook. 

7. Give an office tour

An office tour helps new employees become familiar and more comfortable with their new environment. An effective tour should include showing key areas such as the workspace, meeting rooms, restrooms, and common areas. Plus, it should also include policies on using office equipment and amenities.

It’s also important to highlight safety features such as the locations of emergency exits, first aid kits, and other health and safety information to keep your teams safe all the time.

8. Avoid information overload

An orientation should ease your new hire’s worries, not overwhelm them. Make sure that you only give your new employees information that they can digest easily. It can also be a good idea to split the orientation into several days or give breaks throughout so teams retain essential knowledge from the sessions.

9. Engage your new hires

You can make the orientation process more interactive by encouraging the new hires to actively participate in the event. You don’t have to be the only person talking throughout the session. Make it more fun and engaging by incorporating gamified quizzes, presentations, or explainer videos throughout the session.

You can even use ready-made microlearning templates from platforms like SC Training to create mobile-friendly orientation and workplace learning courses within minutes. Integrate multiple-choice questions, games, and surveys into the process so your new team members can tap and swipe their way through their first few days.

10. Refine the process as necessary

As new hires go through the orientation process, you’ll find that there may be certain parts of it that will need to be improved. You can also gather feedback from those that have recently undergone it. Don’t hesitate to refine the process and add new things to your new hire checklist as you go along and onboard more employees.

Tick off every box in your new hire orientation checklist with SC Training. Sign up today!