Onboarding a new hire is an extremely important process. A good, thorough process can help the employee be more motivated and successful.

Part of the onboarding process will be distributing a new hire handbook. This is an incredibly useful tool, and here’s how you can be sure it is valued throughout the onboarding process and the employee’s time at the company.

10 Must-Haves for Your New Hire Packets

• Welcome Letter

This is a brief document to set a positive tone and make the new hire feel at home and comfortable. It can include the company’s values and mission statement as well as a nice ‘welcome to the team’ message.

• Application Form

A copy of a filled-out application form should be in this packet. It should absolutely include the name, birth date, contact information, and emergency contact information for quick reference.

• Tax & Government Forms

Certain forms like Form I-9 and Form W-4 are required. States may also require other notices to be signed that discuss wage rates, hourly overtime rates and other compensation offerings.

• Consent & Disclosure for Background Checks/Drug Testing

If your company conducts background checks or drug testing, it’s required that you obtain consent from the new hire.

• Employee Handbook

This will contain your company’s policies and procedures. Since this has such valuable information for the new hire to understand and follow, it’s important you get a signature on file, acknowledging their receipt of the handbook.

• Benefits & Insurance

If your new hire will receive health insurance or other benefits like a 401(k) plan, all of that information should be given to them at this time.

• Payroll Documents

Direct deposit forms should be included in the new hire packet.

• Company Directory

A directory of your company’s employees’ contact information is very helpful for a new hire. If you don’t have a directory created already, you should gather this information: names, job title, company phone number and extensions, and company email address.

• Confidentiality & Non-Compete Agreements

These agreements will vary depending on the nature of your business; however if your company has any such policies, they should be outlined in the new hire packet and you should get their signature for this receipt as well.

• Resume/Work Schedule/Job Description

Finally, it’s helpful to include all the basic requirements of the new hire. This will help ensure that the new hire is clear about attendance and responsibilities. This paperwork may also be fruitful if there happen to be performance issues later on.

Need Help Getting Your New Hire Packet Organized?

If you need any guidance or advice creating your new hire packet, or any human resource document, contact Pro Talent Group.