Course

C048 — Employee Onboarding

Self-Paced Learning

Learn online, on your own schedule

Certificate of Completion

Showcase your achievement

25+ Years of Expertise

Built on real-world experience

Course Modules

Module One: Getting Started

• Icebreaker
• Housekeeping Items
• The Parking Lot
• Workshop objectives

Module Two: Introduction

• What is Onboarding?
• The Importance of Onboarding
• Making Employees Feel Welcome
• First Day Checklist
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Three: Purpose of Onboarding

• Start-Up Cost
• Anxiety
• Employee Turnover
• Realistic Expectations
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Four: Onboarding Preparation

• Professionalism
• Clarity
• Designating a Mentor
• Training
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Five: Onboarding Checklist

• Pre-Arrival
• Arrival
• First Week
• First Month
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Six: Creating an Engaging Program

• Getting off on the Right Track
• Role of Human Resources
• Role of Managers
• Characteristics
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Seven: Following Up with New Employees

• Initial Check In
• Following Up
• Setting Schedules
• Mentor’s Responsibility
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Eight: Setting Expectations

• Defining Requirements
• Identifying Opportunities for Improvement and Growth
• Setting Verbal Expectations
• Putting it in Writing
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Nine: Resiliency and Flexibility

• What is Resiliency?
• Why is it Important?
• 5 Steps
• What is Flexibility?
• Why is it Important?
• 5 Steps
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Ten: Assigning Work

• General Principles
• The Dictatorial Approach
• The Apple Picking Approach
• The Collaborative Approach
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Eleven: Providing Feedback

• Characteristics of Good Feedback
• Feedback Delivery Tools
• Informal Feedback
• Formal Feedback
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise
• Review of Parking Lot
• Lessons Learned
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations

About This Course

Employee onboarding is one of the most critical investments a company makes in its people. A structured onboarding program reduces early turnover, accelerates time-to-productivity, and gives new hires the confidence and clarity they need to succeed from day one.

This course guides HR professionals, managers, and team leads through the full onboarding lifecycle — from pre-arrival preparation to the first month on the job. Learners will develop the skills to create welcoming, organized, and effective onboarding experiences that set new employees up for long-term success. Topics covered include setting clear expectations, assigning work effectively, providing meaningful feedback, developing resiliency, and building mentor relationships that support new hire growth. Each module includes real-world case studies and review questions to reinforce learning. This course is part of the Human Resources and Talent Development Skill Path, which covers 26 courses across recruiting, compliance, employee relations, and workforce development. Managers looking to strengthen their onboarding leadership skills may also benefit from the Leadership Excellence Skill Path.

Who This Course Is For

HR professionals building or improving their onboarding program
Managers responsible for integrating new team members
Team leads who mentor or support new hires during their first weeks
Operations and L&D teams standardizing the new hire experience across the organization

Frequently Asked Questions

What is employee onboarding training?

Employee onboarding training is a structured learning program that helps organizations integrate new hires effectively. It covers expectations, workplace culture, role clarity, communication, and the tools and processes new employees need to contribute from day one.

How long does this course take to complete?

This is a self-paced online course. Most learners complete it in two to four hours depending on their pace. There are no deadlines — you can start and stop at any time.

Does this course include a certificate?

Yes. A certificate of completion is included and available for download upon finishing the course. It can be used for HR records, compliance documentation, or professional development portfolios.

Is this course available as part of a team subscription?

Yes. This course is included in the Human Resources and Talent Development Skill Path, available to all individual and team subscribers. Team plans include manager tracking, progress reports, and access to all 141 courses. View team plans.