New Hire – Company Policy Checklist

Key company policies are a big part of new hire onboarding. They help new employees settle in and pick up on the company culture.

Company policies should address:

• Do’s and don’ts in the workplace
• Appropriate behaviors and expectations
• Employee obligations and rights

Provide an employee handbook prior to their start date so they get a chance to review policies and procedures ahead of time.

A policy presentation is a great way for HR to go over this information, and also answer any questions.

Company Policies to help you cover the basics

Compensation policy

• Payroll schedule
• Direct deposit process and dates
• Legal terms about overtime pay, if applicable
• Job performance-related bonuses

Employee leave policy

• Paid time off (vacation and travel)
• Unpaid time off
• Non-operation and holidays
• Sick leave
• Parental leave
• Special occasions (e.g. jury duty)

Performance review policy

• Schedule for performance reviews
• Performance appraisal software
• Goals and objectives
• Goal-setting process
• Less formal methods to collect and share feedback (e.g. regular 1:1s)

Workplace regulations

• Daily schedule
• Breaks
• Personal workstation management
• Internet usage for personal matters
• Parking restrictions

Workplace safety policy

• Emergency exit locations
• Guidelines for security
• Visitors’ policy

Employee confidentiality policy

• Classified information
• Sharing and storing confidential documents
• Securing computers and other tech

Benefits and perks overview

• Health and life insurance plan
• Stock options
• Mobile plan
• Company car
• Bonus options
• Wellness programs
• Education reimbursement

Remote work policy

• Request work-from-home days
• Employee rules while working remotely
• Out-of-office best practices
• Any limitations, such as mandatory office time during launches

Employee travel policy

• Frequency and timing of travel
• Travel expenses covered
• Reimbursement policies
• Travel documents required

Employee development and education policies

• Regular training your company conducts
• Conferences and workshops
• Resources (subscriptions, books, software)
• Online courses
• Education budget