Building a stellar onboarding checklist

Starting a new job is overwhelming, but a well-designed onboarding process can turn those first few days into a foundation for long-term success. A strong onboarding experience can benefit new hires, but it also shapes company culture, boosts engagement, and improves retention. In fact, organizations with structured onboarding processes see a 70% increase in productivity and 82% higher retention rates.

So, how do you create an onboarding process that's more than just paperwork and awkward introductions? Here are three essential steps to ensure your new hires feel welcomed, valued, and prepared from day one:

1. Get the Essentials in Place Before Day One

Onboarding begins long before a new hire steps through the door (or logs in remotely). Pre-onboarding sets the tone and eliminates first-day confusion. Make sure to:

• Provide digitally accessible documents that meet ADA standards, allowing employees to complete paperwork ahead of time.
• Offer preferred name and pronoun options in all onboarding materials to create an inclusive and respectful environment.
• Send a personalized welcome email outlining what to expect in the first week, including team introductions and key resources.

2. Personalize the Welcome Experience

Nobody wants to feel like just another name on a list. A thoughtful welcome makes a huge difference. Consider:

• A warm introduction video from leadership or direct managers to build an immediate connection.
• Assigning a welcome buddy, a peer mentor to help navigate workplace culture, tools, and daily expectations.
• Hosting a low-pressure team meet-and-greet to foster relationships from day one.

3. Reinforce Your Culture and Values

Onboarding isn't just about processes, it's about belonging. Make sure new hires understand what your company stands for and how they fit into the bigger picture.

• Walk them through your mission, values, and long-term goals.
• Highlight how inclusivity and accessibility are part of daily operations, not just policies.
• Encourage open conversations about accommodations and support systems available to every employee.

These are just the first steps to creating a meaningful onboarding experience, but there's much more to explore. Want the full checklist to ensure your onboarding process is inclusive, engaging, and effective? Click here and read our full blog!

Plus! You can download our free onboarding checklist ??

This checklist will be indispensable to ensure that each new hire has a smooth transition to your organization and feels valued from day one. Click here to download, copy, and follow the steps! Onboarding just got a whole lot easier.