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Day 1 Essentials for Your New Starter: How to Get Onboarding Right
First impressions matter, and your new employee’s first day can shape how they feel about your business in the long-term.
A positive, well-organised start builds confidence, loyalty, and motivation from day one. Here’s how to make sure your onboarding process gets off to the best possible start.
Be Prepared Before They Arrive
Preparation shows professionalism and care. Have everything ready - from their laptop and email login to a workspace or remote access details. Let your team know they’re joining so they’re greeted warmly rather than surprised by a new face.
Have The Right Documents Signed and Checked
By the time your new hire walks through the door (or logs on), all essential paperwork should be complete and stored safely. You should have:
Job description
You’ll also need to check and record:
Right to work in the UK
Bank details for payroll
Emergency contact information
Completing these before or on day one keeps your business compliant with employment law and prevents unnecessary admin delays.
Create A Warm Welcome
A friendly start sets the tone. Introduce them to the team, give them a quick tour, and explain who does what. Small touches (like a welcome card or some branded goodies) help them feel valued and part of something from the outset.
Go Through The Basics Clearly
Don’t assume anything is obvious. Walk them through working hours, breaks, pay dates, holiday booking and how to report sickness. These simple details remove uncertainty and build confidence.
Share Your Company Story and Culture
Onboarding isn’t just about form, it’s about building a connection. Talk about your company’s values, what you stand for and how their role contributes to your goals. When people understand the bigger picture, they engage faster and stay longer.
Check In And Follow Up
End their first day with a quick chat. Ask how it went, answer any questions and schedule a follow-up catch-up for the end of week one. It shows you’re invested in their experience and not just their output.
Why Getting Day 1 Right Really Matters
An organised, friendly first day boosts engagement, reduces turnover and strengthens your reputation as a caring employer. It’s a simple investment that pays off in productivity and positivity.
If you’d like support creating onboarding checklists, welcome packs, or compliant HR documents, BloomHR can help you get the details right so that every new starter feels at home from day one.
Get in touch for friendly, practical support tailored to small businesses