Managers: How to Successfully Onboard New Employees in the First 90 Days

Bringing a new employee into the organisation is more thanjust a process - it’s the foundation for long-term success, engagement, andperformance. A structured and supportive onboarding experience ensures newhires feel welcomed, confident, and ready to contribute.

Key milestones for onboarding success

First few days: set strong foundations.

• Welcome the employee and introduce them to the team.
• Ensure they have the tools, resources, and access they need.
• Set clear expectations about their role and how success will be measured.
• Schedule an informal check-in to see how they’re settling in.

First 30 days: support and align.

• Confirm their understanding of the role, responsibilities, and team dynamics.
• Hold a structured 30-day check-in to discuss early wins, challenges, and priorities.
• Encourage integration - help them build key relationships across the business.
• Provide constructive feedback and ensure they know where to go for support.
• Make sure they have a buddy and have caught up with them.

First 60 days: develop and engage.

• Assess their progress - are they meeting expectations? If not, identify gaps and offer support.
• Check in on their workload and well-being - are they feeling overwhelmed or underutilised?
• Provide opportunities for learning - mentoring, training, or stretch projects.
• Reinforce their impact - recognise contributions, celebrate small wins, and ensure they feel valued.

First 90 days: review and plan ahead

• Use feedback from colleagues and stakeholders to assess their broader impact.
• Address any final onboarding gaps before transitioning into regular performance check-ins.
• Ensure they feel confident and motivated in their role.
• Schedule an end-of-probation review to evaluate performance and behaviours.
• Consider longer-term development - what’s next for their growth?
• Engage HR early for guidance and advice if you have doubts about their progress.

Best practices for a great onboarding experience

• Set clear expectations early – outline role responsibilities, key goals, and success measures upfront.
• Create a supportive environment – encourage open dialogue, check in frequently and ensure they feel included.
• Provide regular feedback – don’t wait for formal reviews - help them course-correct and celebrate small wins.
• Ensure access to the right tools and people – no employee should struggle because they lack information or support.
• Think beyond day 1 – onboarding isn’t just an event; it’s a 90-day+ journey to set them up for long-term success.

Remember: the first 90 days shape an employee’s confidence, engagement, and long-term performance. A strong start leads to a stronger team and better results!

What about Employees?

See Appraisd guidance for New Joiners: How to Succeed in Your First 90 Days.

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