There’s a lot of work that goes into onboarding new hires – and not just for members of the Human Resources or People Ops Team. If you have a new employee who’ll be reporting to you, you’ll want to make sure your newest team member understands their role and how best to work within your team. And all employees can get involved in onboarding – not just those in People Ops or management. Anyone can take on some of the social responsibilities to make sure new hires feel welcomed and integrated into the office culture.

Remember that preparing for a perfect first day is a team effort. The following checklists will help you coordinate with multiple people and departments to ensure nothing falls through the cracks on your new hire’s first day.

Human Resources

• Arrange facility tour and building access

• Set up computer, email, any work accounts they need (e.g. chat, apps)

• Assist with benefits log-in

• Assist with payroll log-in, set up direct deposit

• Verify work eligibility

• Have employee fill out W-4 tax form

• Have employee sign NDA, Inventions Agreement and any other legal documents

• Give access to employee handbook

• Go through company policies and procedures (everything from dog policy to dishwasher etiquette)

Direct manager

• Explain why the role was created/why this recruit was hired

• Outline company mission and values

• Review job description and responsibilities

• Create an employee development plan

• Introduce new recruit to other department leads

• Go over company structure and organisational chart

• Set expectations and communication preferences

Workplace buddy

• Review office layout and building access

• Go over how to work coffee machine, dishwasher, photocopier and any other essential equipment

• Discuss what people usually do for lunch, coffee, breaks, etc.

• Go on a quick tour of the neighbourhood – point out the nearest pharmacy, bank, post office, coffee shop, supermarket, park, etc.

• Talk about office social activities like happy hour, quiz night and volunteer work

Want all these checklists and more (think: first week, first few months, etc.) to help you organise and streamline new hire onboarding? Download the Essential Onboarding Checklists e-book.