Free employee onboarding checklist
Welcome a new hire and cover the essentials from before day one through the first month, with checkbox tasks for each phase in one editable Word document.
- No signup or email address
- Editable and printable formats
- CC0 - use it for anything
Edit it digitally or print a clean copy
Best for managers and HR or operations leads who want a consistent, welcoming first day, week, and month for every new hire.
A useful starting point, not an empty shell
- Checkbox tasks grouped by before day one, first day, week, and month
- New hire, role, start date, manager, and buddy fields
- Tips for a strong start and an onboarding sign-off block
- Replace the highlighted fields with the new hire's details.
- Tick each task as you complete it and adjust tasks to fit the role.
- Sign off when onboarding is complete and keep a copy on file.
Keep the template until the process needs more
A shared file can be the right tool for a new or small process. Sandtime.io becomes useful when reminders, approvals, locked records, project data, reports, and Excel exports must stay dependable across a growing team.
Questions about this free template
Is this template really free?
Yes. The editable file and printable PDF are free, require no email address, and are released under CC0 1.0. You may copy, edit, rebrand, redistribute, or use them commercially without asking permission.
Can I edit the template?
Yes. Open the Word file in Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, or another compatible editor, then replace the highlighted fields and remove clauses that do not apply.
Which format should I print?
Download the PDF when you need a clean paper copy. It uses high-contrast lines, safe print margins, and a layout designed for common A4 and US Letter printers.
Does this template guarantee compliance?
No. It is a general operational starting point and does not guarantee legal, payroll, tax, employment, record-retention, or labor-law compliance. Adapt it to the rules and contracts that apply to your organization.
Can I share or rebrand it?
Yes. CC0 1.0 allows you to share the original files, add your own branding, publish an adapted version, or use the template commercially without attribution.
When should a team move beyond a template?
A file works well while one person owns the process and the team can keep it current. Consider Sandtime.io when reminders, approvals, locked records, project data, reports, and reliable exports need to work together.