A well-structured onboarding process does more than just help new hires get up to speed - it creates a sense of belonging, increases motivation, and sets the foundation for long-term success. This checklist ensures that remote employees feel supported, confident, and excited from day one.
Send a welcome email with an onboarding schedule, company handbook, and team overview to give new employees a clear overview of what to expect. Pre-onboarding helps reduce first-day anxiety and allows them to familiarize themselves with the company culture and expectations before they officially start.
<aside> 💡 Tip*:* Create an interactive Notion or Google Docs dashboard with all essential links, FAQs, and a welcome video from the CEO and team.
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Ensure all necessary tools (email, Slack, project management, etc.) are set up before the first day. A smooth technical setup prevents delays and lets employees start immediately.
<aside> 💡 Tip: Test all logins in advance and create a "First Steps" guide for each platform to prevent confusion.
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Pair new hires with an experienced team member who serves as their go-to person for guidance, support, and integration into the team. The buddy should not only answer questions but also help the new hire understand the company culture and day-to-day workflow.
<aside> 💡 Tip 1: Choose buddies with similar roles or backgrounds and schedule an informal first “get-to-know” meeting in the first week.
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<aside> 💡 Tip 2: The buddy must be briefed in advance about their role, key expectations, and the onboarding goals. Since they’ll have close interactions with the new hire and gain valuable insights into their questions and challenges, they should also assess the onboarding experience afterward. Their feedback will help refine the process and enhance future onboarding efforts.
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Show your new hire they’re valued by providing a thoughtfully curated welcome package. This could include branded company swag, a personal welcome note, and essential work tools like a laptop, headset, keyboard, mouse, or laptop stand. The combination of a warm gesture and practical items creates a sense of belonging right from the start.
<aside> 💡 Tip: If a physical package isn’t feasible, create a digital welcome kit with a personalized video message, virtual gift cards, or access to an internal knowledge hub to ensure a warm and engaging start.
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Schedule introductions with the hiring manager, direct team members, cross-functional colleagues, and leadership to give the new hire a well-rounded understanding of their role and the company. These meetings help them quickly integrate, build relationships, and feel more confident in their new environment. Spreading these meetings over the first 2-3 days (rather than cramming them all into day one) ensures they can absorb the information without feeling overwhelmed.
<aside> 💡 Tip 1: Send out calendar invitations before the new hire’s first day, so they have a clear overview of who they’ll meet and when as soon as they open their calendar.
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<aside> 💡 Tip 2: Send a short bio of each meeting participant in advance so the new hire knows who they will meet and can prepare questions.
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