New Hire - Training Checklist

Why new hire training is important

Get organized ahead of time so new hires can:

• Get acquainted with your company and their department
• Learn about guidelines and policies 
• Navigate their workstations along with any tools and technology
• Get to know the requirements of their position

These checklists help you get organized for those crucial first three months of their employment.

New Hire Training: Before your new hire’s first day

Here are some resources to prepare and send before your new hires start:

• An agenda for the first day that may include any 1:1s, demos, or training relevant to your new hire’s role.
• Instructions to set up corporate accounts like email, communication channels, and company software
• An employee handbook

What to do on your new employee’s first day

Company overview training

A company overview gives employees insight into department structure, and how the organization operates as a whole. We recommend using groups of no more than four during this process to save on time and ensure all questions get answered. Here’s what to include in a company overview training:

• The company origin story, core values, and mission statement
• Timeline with key achievements and future goals
• Organizational chart with office layout
• Detailed explanations of department structures and roles
• Any applicable demos
• New hire Q and A

Don’t forget to hand out relevant documents related to the presentation. 

Company policies training

This is a chance to highlight what’s most important while addressing their questions.

Here’s what to include in this training on company policies:

• Workplace rules (e.g. hours, breaks, use of lockers and key fob)
• Types of leave offered, and when the new hire can begin going on leave
• Remote work requirements, if relevant
• Performance review process
• Review and sign any non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements
• FAQ document on the most popular company policies

Benefits package training

Explain your benefits in simple terms while clarifying any actions employees need to take to use their benefits packages. Answer questions they have and get signed copies of contracts.

This training explains:

• Life and health insurance plans 
• Stock options 
• Flexible hours options and requirements 
• Available training and development benefits like education budgets
• Mobile plan 
• Company car reimbursement benefits you offer
• Wellness programs or health perks

Role-specific training

This is where hiring managers shine by explaining team structure and roles, establishing expectations for success, and setting new hires up with useful tools and resources.

Hiring managers should explain:

• New hire’s typical workday
• Job-specific tools
• Helpful resources 
• KPI tracking reports
• Business objectives 
• Roles of different members on the team and new hire relationship to them
• The schedule for regular one-on-ones with the new hire
• The schedule for introductory one-on-ones between the new hire and team members

IT setup and training

IT staff will help new employees set up their computer stations while getting all systems up and running. They should also guide new hires on data privacy, system security, and proper use of software and hardware.

Here’s what to include in an IT setup training:

• Go over access to necessary tools and manuals to use hardware and software
• Set up company accounts (if not done already) and provide assistance as needed
• Ensure all new hires understand and sign data privacy agreements
• Help new hires configure WLAN connection settings (computer and mobile)
• Install anti-virus software, if applicable
• Provide password security accounts (e.g. LastPass)
• Review visitors’ policy
• Train new hires on how to secure their workstations

A month after your new hire starts

Security training

A member of your IT or Security team will review the employees’ data privacy and system security obligations. Prioritize security training earlier than one month for positions where employees handle confidential employee or customer data. 

Here’s what to include in security training for new hires:

• Security training videos, with Q and A or quizzing at the end
• Remotely access corporate software, if applicable 
• Out-of-office best practices 
• Review workstation security measures
• Invite employees to join a security forum on your company intranet so they can ask questions (e.g. Slack)

Three months after your new hire starts

Safety training

Workplace safety training sessions happen within the first three months after hire. It’s best to conduct this training in groups. When necessary, collaborate with professionals on relevant topics (e.g. Red Cross, Osha)

Here’s how to train new hires on safety practices:

• Emergency evacuation drill
• First Aid presentation
• Guidelines for handling hazardous material and equipment
• Fire drill protocols
• Employee protection policies (e.g. no smoking, emergency exits)
• Ergonomic tips, such as:

• Good desk posture
• Proper chair height
• Adjusting monitor brightness