Preboarding checklist
Preboarding is the time between a signed offer and day one. Done well, it removes logistics from the first day and makes the hire feel expected. Done badly, it buries them in reading before they are paid.
Key takeaways
- Prioritise access, equipment and the first-week schedule.
- Keep pre-start reading optional and short.
- Confirm everything two days before the start.
Two weeks before
Start long-lead items.
- Request equipment and accounts
- Choose and brief a buddy
- Confirm start time, location or remote setup
One week before
Prepare the first week.
- Book first-week meetings and send the schedule
- Send a short welcome message from the manager
- Share optional context: team overview and how the team works
Two days before
Confirm.
- Equipment shipped or on the desk
- Accounts created and tested
- Day-one agenda shared with the buddy
What not to do
Don't send mandatory training before the start date, don't expect replies outside working hours, and don't ask for information you could collect on day one.