Get New Employees Productive by Noon on Day 1

I was able to be a contributing member of my new workplace by Noon on Day 1.  It's not often new employees can say that. Not because I'm such a rockstar but because my employers did pre-work that enabled me to jump right in.

Here is what my new employers did:

1. Gave job description, duties, salary in an email.

-  I don't think this is standard, but great as I could review and prep questions.

2. Gave HR forms at job offer meeting. 

- These were taken home and to be returned before start day.

- Saved hours in HR the first day.

- Required fingerprinting completed and clearance approved before start.

3. Computer access was setup as was my email address. 

- Seems basic and minor, but not many IT departments get it done without a reminder phone call on start day. Or they setup this but not that.

4. Pre-printed lists of training/orientation areas to cover. 

- Too many companies wing it.

- Building tour, forms location, network info, procedures, etc.

5. Fax and phone lists updated with my name

- Ummm...Wow.

6. Keys and Security Code

- Building keys and alarm code all given on Day 1

7. Office was clean and ready

- My office was not a storage location with a bunch of junk I had to wade through before finding the desk top

8. Welcome e-mail. 

- The office manager sent me a 'welcome' email. How nice was that?!