{"id":193075,"date":"2026-06-24T13:19:49","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T11:19:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/blog\/?p=193075"},"modified":"2026-06-24T13:19:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T11:19:49","slug":"onboarding-meeting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/blog\/onboarding-meeting\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Do an Onboarding Meeting (Complete Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Starting a new job is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. There is a lot to take in, and new hires often spend their first week trying to figure out where they fit in, who to talk to, and what is actually expected of them. That is exactly why a good onboarding meeting matters<\/strong> so much.<\/p>\n

When you take the time to structure that first meeting well<\/strong>, you set the tone for everything that follows. When new employees feel more confident<\/strong>, managers can also feel at ease, and the whole team gets off to a better start<\/strong>. A good onboarding sets everyone up for success and ensures the company stays on the right track.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we are going to walk you through everything you need to know about running a great onboarding meeting, whether you are a manager, an HR professional, or a new hire preparing for your first day at your new job.<\/p>\n

What Is an Onboarding Meeting?<\/h2>\n

An onboarding meeting is the first step of the onboarding<\/a> process. It is the first touchpoint between a new employee and the company where they will work. Usually, this meeting is a formal sit-down between a new employee and their manager or HR representative, but it can take other forms as well. It usually happens on the first day or during the first week of employment, and it sets the foundation for the employee life cycle<\/a>.<\/p>\n

An onboarding meeting is more than just a welcome chat. Of course, as the first meeting between employee and employer, it plays an important role in welcoming a new employee<\/a>. But it is also conversation designed to help the new hire understand their role, the work culture<\/a>, and what they need to do to succeed. It is also a chance for managers to get to know the new person and start building trust early on in the working relationship.<\/p>\n

These meetings can happen in person or as part of a remote onboarding<\/a>, but the goals are the same either way: make the new employee feel welcome, set clear expectations, and give them all of the tools they need to hit the ground running.<\/p>\n

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The Ultimate Onboarding Checklist<\/h4>\n \n

The perfect checklist for HR professionals onboarding new hires. Download your free checklist to seamlessly welcome new joiners to your team.<\/p>\n \n \n Download for free <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Purpose of Onboarding Meetings<\/h2>\n

So why does an onboarding meeting actually matter? Can’t a new hire just read the employee handbook<\/a> and figure things out?<\/p>\n

In theory, yes. In practice, it’s a bit more complicated than that.<\/p>\n

Reading a company policy<\/a> document does not tell you who the go-to person is when your laptop breaks. It does not explain the team’s communication style or what your first 30-60-90 days<\/a> look like for your specific role. And it definitely does not help make you feel like part of the team. If anything, being left to figure things out during onboarding for yourself can alienate you as a new hire.<\/p>\n

Here is what a well-run onboarding meeting actually does:<\/p>\n