The Complete New Employee Onboarding Course Template

Great onboarding sets new employees up for success. Poor onboarding leads to confusion, disengagement, and higher turnover. This template provides a proven structure for effective new employee onboarding eLearning.

Use this as a starting point for your own onboarding course, or share it with your eLearning developer to speed up development.

Overview: Onboarding Course Objectives

Primary Goal: Help new employees feel welcomed, informed, and prepared to succeed in their role.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand company culture, values, and mission
  • Know key policies, procedures, and expectations
  • Navigate systems and tools confidently
  • Connect with team members and resources
  • Feel excited and prepared for their role

Recommended Duration: 60-90 minutes (delivered over first week)
Delivery Method: Self-paced eLearning with manager check-ins
Assessment: Knowledge checks throughout, no high-stakes final exam

Module 1: Welcome & Company Overview (10-15 minutes)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, new employees will:

  • Understand the company’s mission, vision, and values
  • Know key milestones in company history
  • Identify what makes the company culture unique
  • Feel welcomed and excited about their decision to join

Content Structure

1.1 Welcome Message (2-3 minutes)

  • Video from CEO or leadership team
  • Personal welcome and congratulations
  • What to expect from onboarding
  • Encouragement and excitement for their journey

1.2 Our Story (3-4 minutes)

  • Company founding and history
  • Key milestones and achievements
  • Where we are today
  • Where we’re headed (vision for future)
  • Interactive timeline with clickable highlights

1.3 Mission, Vision & Values (3-4 minutes)

  • Clear explanation of each
  • Real examples of values in action
  • How these guide daily decisions
  • Interactive: Match values to scenarios

1.4 What Makes Us Different (2-3 minutes)

  • Company culture highlights
  • Employee testimonials (short video clips)
  • Benefits and perks overview
  • Why employees love working here

Knowledge Check:

  • What are our core values?
  • Which value resonates most with you? (reflection question)
  • When was the company founded?

Module 2: Your Role & Team (10-15 minutes)

Learning Objectives

  • Understand their specific role and responsibilities
  • Know who’s on their immediate team
  • Identify key stakeholders they’ll work with
  • Understand how their role contributes to company success

Content Structure

2.1 Your Position Overview (3-4 minutes)

  • Role title and department
  • Key responsibilities
  • Success metrics and expectations
  • How this role evolved (context)
  • Career growth opportunities

2.2 Meet Your Team (4-5 minutes)

  • Organizational chart (interactive)
  • Direct manager introduction
  • Team member profiles with photos
  • Who to go to for what
  • Team culture and working style

2.3 Key Stakeholders (2-3 minutes)

  • Other departments you’ll interact with
  • Important relationships to build
  • Cross-functional collaboration overview
  • Communication channels and norms

2.4 Your First Week Plan (1-2 minutes)

  • What to expect day-by-day
  • Key meetings scheduled
  • Initial projects or tasks
  • Support available during transition

Knowledge Check:

  • Who is your direct manager?
  • Name two key stakeholders you’ll work with
  • What are your main responsibilities?

Module 3: Essential Policies & Procedures (15-20 minutes)

Learning Objectives

  • Understand key company policies
  • Know workplace expectations and standards
  • Identify where to find policy information
  • Recognize how to handle common situations

Content Structure

3.1 Code of Conduct (4-5 minutes)

  • Professional behavior expectations
  • Ethical standards
  • Conflict of interest
  • Reporting concerns
  • Real scenarios: “What would you do?”

3.2 Workplace Policies (5-6 minutes)

  • Working hours and flexibility
  • Remote work policy (if applicable)
  • Dress code and appearance
  • Breaks and meal periods
  • Time off and leave policies
  • Sick leave procedures

3.3 Communication Standards (2-3 minutes)

  • Email etiquette
  • Meeting norms
  • Response time expectations
  • Using company communication tools
  • Professional social media guidelines

3.4 Health, Safety & Wellbeing (3-4 minutes)

  • Workplace health and safety basics
  • Emergency procedures
  • Reporting incidents or hazards
  • Mental health support available
  • Wellbeing resources

3.5 Information Security (2-3 minutes)

  • Password requirements
  • Data protection basics
  • Using company devices
  • Email security awareness
  • Who to contact for IT issues

Knowledge Check:

  • Where can you find the full employee handbook?
  • What should you do if you witness unethical behavior?
  • Who do you contact to report a safety concern?

Module 4: Systems & Tools (15-20 minutes)

Learning Objectives

  • Access and navigate essential systems
  • Use primary tools confidently
  • Know who to contact for technical support
  • Complete basic tasks in key platforms

Content Structure

4.1 Getting Set Up (3-4 minutes)

  • Email and calendar setup
  • Company intranet/portal access
  • How to request IT support
  • Password management
  • Mobile device setup (if applicable)

4.2 Core Systems Overview (6-8 minutes)

Customize this section based on your tools:

  • HRIS/Payroll System

    • Logging in for the first time
    • Updating personal details
    • Viewing pay slips
    • Submitting leave requests

  • Project Management Tool

    • Accessing your team’s workspace
    • Understanding project structure
    • Updating task status
    • Where to find information

  • Communication Platform (Slack/Teams)

    • Key channels to join
    • Direct messaging etiquette
    • Status and availability
    • Notification settings

  • Document Storage (Drive/SharePoint)

    • Finding team folders
    • Saving and organizing files
    • Sharing and permissions
    • Version control basics

4.3 Finding Information (2-3 minutes)

  • Company wiki or knowledge base
  • Department-specific resources
  • Templates and forms
  • Who to ask when you can’t find something

4.4 Quick Reference Guide (Downloadable)

  • System login URLs
  • IT support contact
  • Key shortcuts and tips
  • Troubleshooting common issues

Interactive Elements:

  • Screen recording tours of each system
  • Clickable system interface practice
  • “Try it yourself” simulated tasks

Knowledge Check:

  • How do you submit a leave request?
  • Where do you find team documents?
  • Who do you contact for system access issues?

Module 5: Culture & Connection (10-15 minutes)

Learning Objectives

  • Understand how to build relationships
  • Know social and team-building opportunities
  • Feel connected to company culture
  • Identify resources for support and development

Content Structure

5.1 Building Relationships (3-4 minutes)

  • Importance of connections
  • Coffee chat culture
  • Virtual/in-person meetups
  • Cross-team collaboration opportunities
  • Tips for remote relationship building

5.2 Learning & Development (2-3 minutes)

  • Training resources available
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Mentorship programs
  • Performance review process overview
  • Growth mindset culture

5.3 Getting Involved (2-3 minutes)

  • Employee resource groups
  • Social committees and events
  • Volunteering opportunities
  • Feedback and suggestion channels
  • Innovation and idea sharing

5.4 Support & Resources (2-3 minutes)

  • HR support available
  • Mental health and EAP
  • Diversity and inclusion resources
  • Who to talk to about challenges
  • It’s okay to ask for help

5.5 Your Onboarding Checklist (1-2 minutes)

  • Key tasks for first 30/60/90 days
  • Manager check-in schedule
  • How to track your progress
  • Celebrating early wins

Reflection Activity:

  • What are you most excited about?
  • What questions do you still have?
  • What support would be most helpful?

Module 6: Next Steps & Resources (5-10 minutes)

Learning Objectives

  • Know immediate next steps
  • Access ongoing resources
  • Feel prepared for Day 1
  • Understand continued onboarding support

Content Structure

6.1 Your First Day (2-3 minutes)

  • When and where to arrive/log in
  • What to bring/prepare
  • Who you’ll meet first
  • Schedule overview
  • What to wear/expect

6.2 First Week Milestones (2-3 minutes)

  • Key meetings and introductions
  • Initial projects or tasks
  • Training sessions
  • Check-in points
  • What success looks like

6.3 Ongoing Resources (1-2 minutes)

  • Employee handbook link
  • Policy documents
  • System guides
  • FAQs
  • Who to contact for what

6.4 Feedback & Questions (1-2 minutes)

  • How to provide onboarding feedback
  • Who to ask questions
  • Regular check-in schedule
  • Open door policy

Final Message (1 minute)

  • Congratulations on completing onboarding
  • Excitement for their journey
  • Reminder of support available
  • Welcome to the team!

Assessment Strategy

Throughout Course:

  • Knowledge checks after each module (5-10 questions each)
  • Low-stakes, immediate feedback
  • Opportunity to review content
  • Focus on understanding, not memorization

No Final Exam Because:

  • Onboarding should feel welcoming, not stressful
  • Information retention happens over time
  • Manager check-ins are better assessment
  • Focus is on accessibility of information

Manager Dashboard:

  • Track completion progress
  • Identify any modules not completed
  • See knowledge check results
  • Flag for follow-up conversations

Design & Engagement Best Practices

Visual Design

  • Use employee photos and real workplace images
  • Brand colors and logo throughout
  • Clean, modern layout
  • Mobile-friendly design
  • Video integration where appropriate

Engagement Elements

  • Interactive organizational charts
  • Clickable office/facility tours
  • Employee testimonial videos
  • Scenario-based decision making
  • Progress tracking and gamification (optional)

Tone & Voice

  • Warm and welcoming
  • Conversational, not corporate
  • Encouraging and supportive
  • Authentic and genuine
  • Reflects company culture

Accessibility

  • Captions on all videos
  • Screen reader compatible
  • Color contrast standards
  • Simple, clear language
  • Alternative text on images

Customization Checklist

Make this template your own by customizing:

  • Company name, logo, and branding
  • Mission, vision, and values statements
  • Actual employee photos and testimonials
  • Specific role descriptions
  • Your actual policies and procedures
  • Screenshots/tours of your systems
  • Real organizational charts
  • Company-specific examples and scenarios
  • Industry-specific content
  • Links to your actual resources

Delivery & Implementation

Timing

  • Pre-Day 1: Send welcome email with course link
  • Day 1 Morning: Modules 1-2 (culture and role)
  • Day 1 Afternoon: Module 3 (policies)
  • Day 2: Module 4 (systems and tools)
  • Day 3-5: Modules 5-6 as time allows
  • Week 1: Complete all modules

Manager Involvement

  • Before Day 1: Customize role-specific content
  • Day 1: Welcome conversation, set expectations
  • Day 2-3: Check on system access and progress
  • End Week 1: Completion check-in, answer questions
  • 30 Days: Progress review
  • 60 Days: Mid-point check-in
  • 90 Days: Full onboarding review

Technical Setup

  • Deliver via your LMS
  • SCORM tracking for completion
  • Mobile-accessible
  • Downloadable resources
  • Print-friendly reference guides

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Too Much Information Don’t overwhelm with every policy detail. Link to full handbook for deep dives.

❌ Death by PowerPoint Use videos, interactions, and scenarios - not just text slides.

❌ One-Size-Fits-All Customize for different roles, departments, or locations.

❌ Set It and Forget It Update regularly - policies change, people change, systems change.

❌ No Human Connection eLearning supplements human onboarding, doesn’t replace it.

❌ Too Corporate/Boring Make it engaging and reflect your actual culture, not aspirational fluff.

Measuring Success

Track these metrics:

Completion Metrics:

  • % of new hires completing onboarding
  • Average time to complete
  • Module completion rates
  • Drop-off points (where people stop)

Engagement Metrics:

  • Knowledge check scores
  • Video watch completion
  • Interactive element usage
  • Reflection question responses

Business Metrics:

  • Time to productivity
  • 30/60/90 day retention rates
  • New hire satisfaction scores
  • Manager satisfaction with preparedness

Qualitative Feedback:

  • Exit surveys from onboarding
  • Manager feedback
  • New hire feedback in 1-on-1s
  • Areas of confusion or questions

Continuous Improvement

Quarterly Reviews:

  • Update any policy changes
  • Refresh employee photos/testimonials
  • Add new systems or tools
  • Improve low-performing modules

Annual Overhaul:

  • Review entire content for relevance
  • Update design and branding
  • Incorporate new company initiatives
  • Refresh all examples and scenarios

Ongoing Feedback Loop:

  • Survey every new hire
  • Collect manager insights
  • Track common questions
  • Identify gaps in content

Next Steps

Ready to build this onboarding course?

Option 1: DIY Using This Template

  • Use this structure as your outline
  • Write content for each section
  • Build in your authoring tool
  • Time investment: 40-60 hours

Option 2: Work With Us

  • We’ll use this template as a starting point
  • Customize entirely for your organization
  • Professional design and development
  • 3-week delivery
  • From $7,500 + GST

Get a quote for onboarding course development →

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This template is a starting point. Every organization is different - customize it to reflect your unique culture, policies, and needs.