Before The First Day
- Send Welcome Email: Welcome the new employee, provide basic information about their first day of IT training, and send training materials if needed.
- Prepare their workstation: Ensure the new hire's desk or workspace has the necessary hardware (computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse) and software applications specific to their role.
- Set up IT accounts: Create user accounts for email, network access, and other specialized software your company uses. Don't forget to assign unique usernames and temporary passwords.
- Provide necessary hardware: Depending on their role, new hires may need additional hardware like company phones, tablets, or specialized equipment.
- Prepare Documentation: Prepare an IT onboarding packet with essential documents (IT policies, security guidelines, etc.).
On The First Day
- Orientation with IT team: Schedule a meeting between the new hire and the IT team for needs assessment, policy briefing, and an opportunity to answer any tech-related questions.
- Software training: Depending on the role, new hires may need training on specific software applications. Plan these ahead of time.
- Security training: It's crucial every new hire understands the company's cybersecurity practices. This could range from password guidelines to protocols for identifying phishing scams.
- Equipment training: Walk the employee through how to use office equipment like printers, fax machines, video conferencing tools, projectors, etc.
- Provide reference documentation: Provide digital or physical manuals for using work software and hardware.
- Complete IT Paperwork: Assist in completing any remaining IT-related paperwork, such as data privacy agreements.
- Provide IT help contact information: Ensure the new hire knows the best way to contact IT in case of technical issues.
First Week
- Continued training: Continue any role-specific software training not completed on the first day and answer any questions.
- Check-in: Regularly check in with new hires to ensure they are comfortable and sorting out any technical issues they may face.
- Review of IT Policies: Ensure the new hire has read, understood, and signed off on IT policies and procedures. This includes data security, software usage, internet access, remote work, and emergency procedures.
- Troubleshooting basics: Training on common issues and their solutions, such as resetting passwords, setting up printers, or connecting to the Wi-Fi network.
First Month
- Feedback session: Conduct a feedback session with new hires about their onboarding experience, focusing particularly on their integration with IT systems and policies.
- IT Assessment: Assess the new hire's understanding and compliance with IT protocols and their comfort level with the systems and software they use.
- Advanced training: Schedule advanced training sessions on specialist software or processes if necessary.
- Cybersecurity refresher: Offer a refresher course on cybersecurity practices, ensuring the information from their first day has been retained and understood.
First Three Months
- Full integration: By this time, the new hire should understand all IT policies and systems and be fully integrated into the company's processes.
- Continuous support: Continue to provide support and training as needed, particularly if there are any changes to the company's software or protocols.
- Performance review: Consider including a section in the new hire's performance review that evaluates their proficiency with IT tools and systems.
Conclusion
An IT onboarding checklist can save time and ensure your new employees feel welcomed and supported from day one. Following this checklist, you can set your new hires up for success and ensure they are ready to contribute to your company's goals.
Remember: a successful onboarding process is essential for retaining top talent and fostering a positive work culture. So keep this checklist handy and welcome your new hires with open arms!