Guide to Onboarding New Employees
for leaders of staff employees
First Month
Objective: Employee is aware of their performance relative to the position and expectations; continues to develop, learn about the university and unit, and build relationships.
Helpful Information by Topic
- Continue to review benefits resources with the employee and ensure they are meeting the benefits deadlines.
- Meet with the new employee at the end of the first 30 days to:
- Review observations, issues and priorities
- Continue to clarify role, responsibilities and expectations as needed.
- Answer questions and concerns
- Schedule and conduct recurring one-on-one meetings.
- Continue to provide timely, ongoing, meaningful “everyday” feedback.
- Elicit feedback from the employee and be available to answer questions.
- Explain any aspects of the performance management process and compensation system that you haven’t already covered.
- Plan and give the employee’s first assignment. Provide them with a task or small project that will provide them the opportunity to work with others and build relationships, gain a better understanding of the university, add value to the team or unit, build confidence and celebrate success.
- Debrief with employee after they attend initial meetings, attend training, and begin work on initial assignment.
- Continue introducing employee to key people and bring them to relevant events.
- Meet with employee and onboarding partner to review experience during first few weeks and answer questions.
- Arrange for employee to attend other college/unit function area/department meetings.
- Confirm mandatory and/or job-related training has been completed and/or scheduled.
- Establish a plan for professional development and encourage training opportunities through BuckeyeLearn and LinkedIn Learning.
- Invite the employee to share their experiences and insights so far, and discuss what support or resources would be helpful for them moving forward.
Continue to review university policies with the employee and provide time to answer any questions.
