Build an Employee Onboarding Packet in a Day
Your new hire starts Monday and you have nothing prepared. No handbook, no training guide, no checklist of what they need to know. Here's how to build a complete onboarding packet in a single day using AI — so your new employee feels welcome and gets productive fast.
Tools You'll Need
| Tool | What It Does | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claude or ChatGPT | Writes your handbook, training guide, and onboarding checklist | Free | Get it → |
| Google Docs | Formats and stores your onboarding materials | Free | Get it → |
| Notion | Creates an interactive onboarding workspace for new hires | Free | Get it → |
The Walkthrough
Step 1: Generate Your Employee Handbook
What to do: Ask Claude: “Write an employee handbook for a small [type of business] with [number] employees. Include sections on: company overview, values, work hours, dress code, PTO policy, communication tools, and general expectations. Keep it practical, not corporate.”
Why you’re doing it: A handbook sets expectations and protects you legally. AI generates a solid first draft you can customize.
Step 2: Create a Training Guide
What to do: Ask Claude: “Write a training guide for a new [role] at [business type]. Cover their first day, first week, and first month. Include specific tasks, tools they’ll use, and who to ask for help.”
Why you’re doing it: A structured training guide reduces the “figure it out yourself” frustration that drives new hires away.
Step 3: Build a First-Week Checklist
What to do: Ask Claude: “Create a first-week onboarding checklist for a new hire at [business]. Include administrative tasks (paperwork, accounts, access), introductions, training sessions, and early assignments.”
Why you’re doing it: Checklists ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Step 4: Set Up a Notion Workspace
What to do: Create a Notion page with all onboarding materials organized. Share the link with your new hire on day one.
What to Do If It Doesn’t Work
- Problem: “The handbook sounds too generic.” — Add your specific policies, stories, and examples after AI generates the framework.
- Need more help? Email us at hello@thenewsbakery.com.