Streamline your new employees' technology integration
IT plays a critical role in the onboarding process. Given that IT teams are stretched thin, this checklist helps rationalize new employee configuration efficiently and smoothly.
A well-structured IT onboarding helps new employees:
- Familiarize themselves with your technology systems
- Configure necessary accounts
- Follow security guidelines
- Use company tools with confidence
Before Day One
Pass Information to IT
Information to communicate for each hire:
- [ ] Full name
- [ ] Personal email address (for invitations)
- [ ] Phone number
- [ ] Job title
- [ ] Department / Team assignment
- [ ] Start date
- [ ] Direct manager
- [ ] List of required software and tools
- [ ] Required access level (standard, admin, specific)
Order IT Equipment
Basic equipment to provision:
- [ ] Laptop or desktop computer
- Model appropriate to the role
- Updated Windows/macOS license
- Suitable memory and processor
- [ ] Monitor(s)
- 1 or 2 screens depending on role
- Recommended size: 24" minimum
- [ ] Peripherals
- Mouse (wired or wireless)
- Keyboard
- Headset with microphone (for video calls)
- Webcam (if not built-in)
- [ ] Cables and accessories
- Power cables
- Adapters (HDMI, USB-C, etc.)
- Docking station / USB hub if needed
- Ethernet cable (if no WiFi)
- [ ] Storage devices
- Secure USB drives (if needed)
- External hard drive for backups
- [ ] Business phone
- Smartphone with plan (if applicable)
- IP desk phone (if applicable)
Determine Software and Access Rights
Accounts and access to create:
Essential accounts:
- [ ] Professional email (first.last@company.com)
- [ ] Messaging platform (Slack, Teams, etc.)
- [ ] Company directory
- [ ] Office suite (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)
- [ ] Project management (Trello, Asana, etc.)
- [ ] File storage and sharing
- [ ] Video conferencing
- [ ] CRM, ERP, or specialized software
- [ ] Development tools (if technical)
- [ ] Analytics and BI tools
- [ ] Network and server access
Prepare and Configure Equipment
Pre-arrival configuration:
- [ ] Install operating system with latest security updates
- [ ] Install core software and required applications
- [ ] Configure user account
- [ ] Set up security basics (antivirus, firewall, encryption)
- [ ] Test all functionality (network, peripherals, printing)
- [ ] Network connection (WiFi and ethernet) works
- [ ] Peripherals detected and functional
- [ ] Printing test successful
- [ ] VPN access tested
Day One
Set Up Workspace
Physical installation:
- [ ] Bureau ready and equipped
- [ ] Computer on desk
- [ ] Monitor(s) positioned and connected
- [ ] Keyboard and mouse installed
- [ ] Headset/peripherals accessible
- [ ] Phone configured
- [ ] Printer/scanner access set up
- [ ] Network and WiFi working
- [ ] Everything powers on and works
- [ ] No error messages at startup
- [ ] User session accessible
Individual Configuration Session
Welcome IT meeting (30-45 min):
- [ ] Email setup and walkthrough
- [ ] Instant messaging access and main channels
- [ ] Password manager setup
- [ ] Tour of essential tools
- [ ] Overview of shared files and communication
Provide Reference Documentation
Documentation kit to provide:
- [ ] Quick start guide
- [ ] User manuals for main software
- [ ] IT FAQ
- [ ] Video tutorials for key tools
- [ ] IT support contacts
Explain Common Equipment Usage
Common tools training (15-20 min):
- [ ] Collaboration tools
- How to share documents
- Permission management
- File naming conventions
- [ ] Video conferencing
- Create / join meetings
- Screen sharing
- Audio/video settings
- Recording meetings
- [ ] Printers and copiers
- Printer locations
- Access codes
- Scanning to email
- Jam procedures
- [ ] Phone system
- Dialing internal/external
- Call transfer
- Voicemail
- Conference calling
Ensure GDPR and Data Security Compliance
Mandatory training and signatures:
- [ ] IT Charter
- Reading and signature
- Main rules explanation
- Consequences of non-compliance
- [ ] GDPR Policy
- Data protection awareness
- Data handling rules
- DPO contact
- [ ] Confidentiality Agreement
- Sign NDA if required
- Confidentiality obligations
Provide IT Support Contacts
Information to share:
- [ ] IT Department location
- Office/floor
- Hours of availability
- [ ] Direct contacts
- Support email
- Phone number
- Extension
- Primary contact name
- [ ] Support platform
- Ticketing portal URL
- How to create a ticket
- Priority levels
- Expected response times
- [ ] Instant messaging
- IT support Slack/Teams channel
- Team username
- Availability hours
- [ ] Emergencies
- Who to call for urgent issues
- Definition of urgency
- Escalation procedure
First Week or First Month
Verify Software Installation
Check-up J+3 or J+5:
- [ ] All necessary software is installed
- [ ] All access works
- [ ] No blocking error messages
- [ ] VPN operational (if remote)
- [ ] Access to shared resources OK
Plan Supplementary Training
Training sessions as needed:
Mandatory Security Training
- [ ] Basic cybersecurity awareness
- Recognize threats and best practices
- Duration: 1h | Format: E-learning or in-person
- [ ] GDPR and data protection
- Principles and personal data handling
- Duration: 45 min | Format: E-learning
- [ ] Advanced office suite features
- [ ] Productivity tool tips
- [ ] Role-specific software
Address Follow-up Questions
Follow-up meeting (J+7 to J+10):
- [ ] 15-20 min check-in session
- How's the onboarding going?
- Missing or non-functional tools?
- Any difficulties encountered?
- Security questions?
- [ ] Collect feedback
- Is equipment adequate?
- Is documentation clear?
- Suggestions for improvement?
Evaluate Satisfaction
Satisfaction survey (J+30):
- [ ] Is the equipment appropriate for your needs?
- [ ] Did you encounter technical difficulties?
- [ ] Was the documentation clear?
- [ ] Was IT support responsive?
- [ ] Do you feel confident with the tools?
- [ ] Suggestions for improvement?
Key Safety Points and Best Practices
Security
Critical elements not to neglect:
- ✅ Never send credentials by email
- ✅ Verify identity before granting access
- ✅ Least privilege principle
- ✅ Log access details
- ✅ Immediate access revocation on departure
Communication
Coordination with other departments:
- ✅ HR informs IT early (minimum 2 weeks)
- ✅ Manager specifies exact needs
- ✅ IT confirms readiness
- ✅ Follow-up point after Day 1
Employee Experience
Making a good impression from the start:
- ✅ Equipment ready and functional
- ✅ Clear, accessible documentation
- ✅ Available, helpful support
- ✅ Progressive autonomy
Simplified Recap Checklist
2-4 weeks before arrival:
- [ ] Receive employee information
- [ ] Order IT equipment
- [ ] Create accounts and access
- [ ] Get manager approvals
- [ ] Configure and test equipment
- [ ] Install base software
- [ ] Prepare documentation
- [ ] Send pre-onboarding email
- [ ] Install equipment at workstation
- [ ] Individual configuration session (30-45 min)
- [ ] Common equipment training
- [ ] Sign IT charter and GDPR
- [ ] Basic security training
- [ ] Provide support contacts
- [ ] Check everything works (J+3)
- [ ] Answer initial questions
- [ ] Plan supplementary training
- [ ] IT follow-up point (J+10)
- [ ] Mandatory security training
- [ ] Security exercise enrollment
- [ ] Satisfaction survey (J+30)
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