Congratulations, you just started a new business and hired your first employee. Now what? In today’s competitive job market, a great onboarding experience can mean the difference between getting a rockstar employee who sticks around or one who leaves you high and dry after Day 1. But beyond engagement and productivity, onboarding is also a compliance minefield, especially for small businesses in New York State (NYS).
Why does onboarding matter?
  • 69% of employees are more likely to stay with a company for 3+ years if they have great onboarding experience (Click Boarding) and 64% of employees are likely to leave within the first year if their onboarding experience is negative (Hibob)
  • Poor onboarding could lead to confusion, compliance violations, and high turnover
  • 89% of employees report that an effective onboarding process significantly boosted their engagement at work (BambooHR)
  • Organizations with a structured onboarding process saw a 60% year-on-year improvement in revenue and a 63% improvement in customer satisfaction (Oak Engage)
 
 NYS Requirements
  1. A Signed Offer Letter
  2. NYS Wage Theft Prevention Act Notice (Pay Rate Notice)
  3. Form I-9 (Federal Employment Eligibility)
  4. Forms W-4 (Federal) & IT-2104 (NYS Tax Withholding)
  5. Direct Deposit Authorization Form
  6. Acknowledgment of Employee Handbook
  7. NYS Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy

Optional, but recommended:
  • Benefits Enrollment Forms (especially if you have 50 or more full-time employees)
  • Emergency Contact Information Sheet
 
Onboarding Suggestions
  1. Send a welcome email (before the start date) with relevant information
  2. Assign a mentor or buddy
  3. Include onboarding checklists (organized by specific milestones) for the manager
  4. Make sure to check in with your employees regularly to ensure a smooth transition
  5. Prioritize training and communication

Remember: You Don’t Have to Go It Alone! TruWorkforce Solutions LLC can help you build a customized onboarding experience that’s:
  • Legally compliant
  • Culturally aligned
  • Scalable as you grow
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