Onboarding checklist
An onboarding checklist is a list of every task a new employee, their manager, and HR need to complete during the first days, weeks, and months, so nothing important is missed. It covers practical setup, required training, introductions, and early goals. A checklist turns onboarding from something people remember to do into a repeatable process that is the same for everyone.
What to include
Before day one: contract and paperwork, equipment and accounts, and a first-week plan. On day one: a welcome, a workplace tour, health and safety basics, and key contacts. In the first weeks: role training, required compliance courses, and meetings with the team. By the end of the first months: agreed goals and a check-in on progress.
Split the list by who owns each task, the new hire, the manager, HR, or IT, so everyone knows their part.
Read the health and safety training definition
Why a checklist helps
Onboarding involves many people and many small tasks, and something is easily forgotten. A checklist makes the process visible and consistent, so every new hire gets the same good start whichever manager they have.
It also shows HR where onboarding stalls, for example if equipment is regularly late.
Checklist vs onboarding programme
A checklist is the list of tasks. An onboarding programme is the whole experience, including the training content and how it is sequenced. The checklist keeps the programme on track.
The training items on the list are usually best delivered as a learning path, so they happen in the right order.
Read the learning path definition
Automating the checklist with an LMS
An LMS can assign the training parts of the checklist automatically on the first day, based on role and location, remind the new hire what is due, and show the manager what is done.
That removes the manual chasing and gives HR a clear view across every new starter.
Frequently asked questions
What is an onboarding checklist?
A list of every task a new employee, their manager, and HR need to complete in the first days, weeks, and months, so nothing important is missed.
What should be on an employee onboarding checklist?
Paperwork, equipment and accounts, a welcome and workplace tour, health and safety basics, role training, required compliance courses, team introductions, and early goals with a check-in.
Who is responsible for the onboarding checklist?
Several people. HR usually owns it, but tasks belong to the new hire, the manager, and IT. Splitting the list by owner keeps everyone clear on their part.
How long should an onboarding checklist cover?
At least the first 90 days. Setup and basics happen in the first week, but role training and goals run across the first months.
Can you automate an onboarding checklist?
Yes. An LMS can assign the training items automatically on day one, remind the new hire, and show the manager and HR what is complete.