Comprehensive pre-boarding checklist ensuring everything is ready when a new employee starts: contracts, payroll setup, IT equipment, workspace, Fair Work documentation, and team preparation.
The Challenge
Employee starts without employment contract or Fair Work Statement being provided
Payroll isn't set up, causing pay delays or incorrect payment in early weeks
IT equipment isn't ready, so employee can't access email or systems on day one
No team knows a new person is starting, creating confusion
No induction is planned, so employee doesn't know procedures or policies
What's Included
Comprehensive checklist covering all pre-start activities: contract, payroll, IT, workspace, induction, team preparation.
Professional offer letter confirming role, start date, pay, hours, and any conditions.
Fair Work compliant employment contract provided with Fair Work Information Statement.
Form for collecting TFN, bank details, superannuation, tax withholding, leave balances (if transferring from another role).
Template for structuring day-one and first-week inductions, including policies, systems, team introductions.
Why It Matters
The first day sets the tone for the employment relationship. If an employee starts and there's no desk, no email access, no payroll setup, and no one's expecting them, they get a poor impression. Pre-boarding preparation ensures employees start on day one with everything ready, payroll set up correctly, and a positive first impression. It also protects the business—payroll set up correctly from the start avoids back-pay issues, Fair Work documentation is completed properly, and there's a documented onboarding record if disputes arise later.
New employees start on day one with everything ready
Payroll correct from first pay (avoiding back-pay issues)
Fair Work Statement and documentation completed upfront
IT equipment and access ready (no lost productivity on day one)
Team informed and prepared for new arrival
Professional first impression
The Process
Offer letter accepted and employment contract provided with Fair Work Statement
Payroll setup: tax file number, bank details, superannuation, leave balances recorded
IT equipment ordered and prepared: laptop, email, system access, software licenses
Workspace prepared: desk, phone, parking, access cards, keys set up
Induction program prepared: schedule, team introductions, policies, procedures
Payroll processed correctly for first pay period
Best For
Growing businesses hiring frequently and wanting to streamline onboarding
Businesses wanting to make a good first impression on new staff
Organisations that have had payroll or compliance issues with early pay periods
Owners wanting to reduce first-week chaos and improve new hire retention
Complementary Services
Structured day-one onboarding program covering workplace policies, health and safety, team introductions, role expectations, and system training. Creates a positive first impression and sets the tone for success.
Complete employment documentation: employment contracts, Fair Work Statements, tax file number declarations, superannuation declarations, emergency contacts, and acknowledgments. All required documents collected and properly filed.
Comprehensive workplace policies tailored to your business size and industry, covering everything from code of conduct to social media use. All policies comply with the Fair Work Act, your relevant Modern Award, and Australian employment law.
FAQ
Employment contract signed and Fair Work Statement provided; payroll data collected and set up; IT equipment prepared and access granted; workspace ready; induction planned; team informed.
The employee must still be paid correctly by the first pay date, even if setup wasn't complete. Better to have everything ready before day one to avoid complications.
Yes, at least for key information: workplace policies, health and safety, emergency procedures, team introductions, role expectations. This is often required by the Award or law.
You're wasting their first day (and cost). They can't be productive. Pre-boarding planning prevents this and creates a positive first impression.
Legally, they don't have to sign a contract. But you must provide a Fair Work Information Statement before or when they start. A signed contract is protection for both parties—better to have it sorted before.
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch
We can help you implement pre-boarding checklist and start seeing results. Book a consultation to discuss your specific needs and explore how this service can transform your business.