We suggest the  following steps that will help ensure smooth onboarding of all new employees:

1. Develop a new hire “welcome packet” and/or employee handbook
2. Schedule and conduct new hire orientation
3. Prepare the required new hire documents and forms
4. Create personal and confidential file folders
5. Process new hire paperwork as needed and update human resource information system if applicable
6. Provide payroll with a copy of the employee’s Form W-4, direct deposit information (if applicable), and other necessary information
7. Provide new employee with “welcome package,” schedule first day lunch with manager or co-workers, and assign an onboarding “buddy” to help the new employee get acquainted with the company

Our New Hire Toolkit can help you with all the above. Use our sample templates, fillable forms, customizable Word documents, and policy language to help you create forms and policies for use in your own recruiting efforts. You can also review commentary in the Suggested Reading section for further guidance on recruiting.