After you've hired a new employee, you might consider sending him or her an information packet before the starting date. The information packet should contain a welcome letter. Because businesses differ so much, a welcome letter must be specifically tailored to each business. The letter should provide the employee with any information he or she might need to know before reporting for work. It should also outline what else is included in the information packet. Here are some of the topics that you might want to address.
Logistical issues. These are the simple nuts and bolts issues relating to the new employee's first day.
Compliance material. As an employer, you're required to gather a variety of information from every employee. This information will be the first material placed in a new employee's personnel file. It may be more efficient to ask the new hire to complete this material ahead of time and bring it on the first day of work.
Business information. Every business has work rules, though they obviously differ from business to business. If you maintain an employee handbook, it may be the only item you need. If not, consider the following items, which may or may not apply in your situation.
Other information. There may be other items that you want to give to the employee before he or she starts work. Some may help set the new employee's expectations, others may make your administrative tasks easier. Some may even help protect your business. Here are some examples.
This list is by no means exhaustive. Every business is unique. For example, if your business uses hazardous materials, you'll have to provide additional information. Or, employees might use company vehicles, requiring you to gather information regarding driver's licenses. The idea is to avoid surprises on either side, and to reduce the transaction cost to the extent that you can.
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