NEW HIRE ONBOARDING CHECKLIST
Name: ____________________   Role: ____________   Start date: ____________
Manager: ____________________   Buddy: ____________________

BEFORE DAY ONE
[ ] Send start time, door, parking, dress code and who to ask for
[ ] Tell them which documents they may bring for Form I-9 (their choice from the list)
[ ] Add them to the schedule and the app
[ ] Find a uniform, apron or badge
[ ] Tell the team, and choose a buddy

PAPERWORK WITH DEADLINES (US)
[ ] Form I-9, Section 1: by the first day of work
[ ] Form I-9, Section 2: within 3 business days of the first day
[ ] Form W-4: before the first paycheck
[ ] State withholding form, if your state has one
[ ] New-hire report to the state: within 20 days, sooner in some states
[ ] State wage notice, if your state requires one
[ ] Direct deposit form
[ ] Work permit or age certificate, for minors, if required

DAY ONE
[ ] Welcome them, and introduce whoever's on shift
[ ] Tour: bathroom, break area, fire exit, first-aid kit
[ ] Show them how to clock in, then have them do it
[ ] Explain payday and who to ask about pay
[ ] Explain how to report being sick or late
[ ] Cover the two or three things that can really hurt someone here
[ ] Give them one real task to finish
[ ] End-of-shift check-in: "What was confusing?"

WEEK ONE
[ ] Work with their buddy, moving from watching to doing
[ ] Go through the opening and closing routines
[ ] Sign the handbook and policies
[ ] Finish the first training course (paid time)
[ ] Five-minute check-in at the end of the week

WEEKS TWO TO FOUR
[ ] Add harder tasks, with feedback
[ ] Add them to the regular schedule
[ ] 30-day chat: what's working, what would they change?
[ ] Thank them for something specific

This list is general information and doesn't replace legal advice.