Human resources
New employee onboarding checklist template (US)
A general template under US law. Laws differ from state to state, so check it against your state's law or with a lawyer licensed there. We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice.
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Preview — US standard
New Employee Onboarding Checklist
| Item | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Employee | Employee Name |
| Job title | Job Title |
| Department | Department |
| Manager | Manager Name |
| Start date | Start Date |
| Onboarding owner | Onboarding Owner |
Before Day One
| Task | Owner | Done |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Signed offer letter on file | Owner 1 | Done 1 |
| Background check completed with FCRA disclosure and authorization, if used | Owner 2 | Done 2 |
| Workspace, equipment and accounts set up | Owner 3 | Done 3 |
| Welcome email sent with first-day details | Owner 4 | Done 4 |
Day One
| Task | Owner | Done |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Form I-9 Section 1 completed by the employee | Owner 5 | Done 5 |
| Form W-4 and state withholding form | Owner 6 | Done 6 |
| Direct deposit form, if chosen | Owner 7 | Done 7 |
| Emergency contact form | Owner 8 | Done 8 |
| Required state notices and pay rate notice given | Owner 9 | Done 9 |
| Handbook acknowledgment signed | Owner 10 | Done 10 |
| Confidentiality or other agreements signed | Owner 11 | Done 11 |
| Workplace tour, safety and emergency procedures | Owner 12 | Done 12 |
First Three Business Days
| Task | Owner | Done |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Form I-9 Section 2 completed by the employer (by the third business day) | Owner 13 | Done 13 |
| E-Verify case, if the employer uses E-Verify | Owner 14 | Done 14 |
First Month
| Task | Owner | Done |
| --- | --- | --- |
| New hire reported to the state directory within the time state law requires | Owner 15 | Done 15 |
| Benefits enrollment within the eligibility window | Owner 16 | Done 16 |
| Required training, such as harassment prevention where state law requires | Owner 17 | Done 17 |
| Role training and 30-day goals set | Owner 18 | Done 18 |
| 30-day check-in with manager | Owner 19 | Done 19 |
Keep Form I-9 separate from the personnel file, and keep medical information in a separate confidential file.
Completed by: Completed By Name and Signature Date: Completion Date