repprtREPPRT RESOURCES / FREE TEMPLATE
Free employee
onboarding checklist
A practical new hire template for small businesses.
Give every new joiner a clear start. These 22 tasks cover preparation, day one, the first week and the first month—with suggested owners so nothing sits between teams.
No email or account needed. Formatted Word template with editable fields and checkboxes. Free to adapt and share.Preboarding: prepare before the start date
First-day orientation checklist
First-week onboarding checklist
First-month onboarding review
How to use your new hire onboarding checklist
- Download the Word document and save a separate copy for each new hire.
- Open it in Microsoft Word. Replace the bracketed employee, manager, owner and due-date fields.
- Adapt the tasks to the role. Click the Word checkboxes as work is completed, and record blockers in the notes section.
- Save your changes and review the checklist at the end of day one, week one and the first month.
The download is a blank, standalone template. Website checkmarks are not transferred into Word, and document changes do not sync with Repprt. On-page checkmarks reset on reload. Checkbox support can vary in other document editors.
For example, assign laptop setup to your IT contact with a due date before the employee arrives. If access is delayed, record who will resolve it and when. A checkbox alone cannot tell your manager what is blocking progress.
This is a general workflow template, not a complete compliance checklist. Adapt it to your organization, role and local requirements. Keep personal documents and sensitive employee details in an appropriately secured system, not in a public checklist.
When to move from a template to onboarding software
An editable checklist is a useful starting point for a small team. When several people coordinate hiring, keep employee records, onboarding tasks and documents together so everyone knows where to work. Explore Repprt's HR workspace and compare plans for your team when you need more than a standalone document.
Employee onboarding checklist: common questions
What should an employee onboarding checklist include?
Include preboarding communication, employee records, equipment and account access, team introductions, role expectations, essential training and follow-up check-ins. Give each task a named owner and a due date. This template groups 22 tasks into before arrival, day one, week one and the first month.
How do I onboard a new employee in a small business?
Start with a repeatable plan, even if you do not have a dedicated HR team. The founder or office manager can coordinate documents and logistics, while the hiring manager owns role expectations and training. One person may cover several responsibilities; write their name against each task so ownership stays clear.
What is the difference between orientation and onboarding?
Orientation introduces the workplace, tools and everyday policies, often on the first day. Onboarding is the broader process of helping someone understand their role, build relationships and become confident in their work. Keep checking in after the introductory sessions are complete.
Can I use this as a remote employee onboarding checklist?
Yes. Confirm equipment delivery and account access before the start date, replace office tours with a walkthrough of shared tools, and send meeting links with time zones. Name a buddy, document where to get help and schedule short check-ins so a remote new hire is not left waiting for answers.
Is this a 30-60-90 day onboarding plan?
This checklist covers preparation through the first month. To extend it into a 30-60-90 day plan, agree role-specific goals for days 60 and 90, assign support and schedule reviews. Do not use the same performance targets for every role; define outcomes with the employee and their manager.
Can I download the checklist as an editable Word document?
Download Word checklist gives you a formatted .docx template with editable fields and Word checkboxes. Save a copy for each employee, replace the bracketed fields, and update it in Microsoft Word. The download is free with no signup. It starts blank and does not include website checkmarks or sync with your Repprt account.
WHEN YOUR TEAM NEEDS MORE
Keep the checklist with the person.
Repprt brings employee records, onboarding checklists and documents into one HR workspace.