IT Onboarding: Setting New Starters Up for Success
Bringing a new employee into your business is always exciting, but without proper IT onboarding, even the most talented starters can face unnecessary hurdles. At Forth Tech, we often see organisations lose productivity and cause frustration simply because new team members are not set up with the right tools, access, and guidance from day one.
Effective IT onboarding is about more than just handing out a laptop or creating an email account. It is a structured process designed to ensure new employees can work efficiently, securely, and confidently from their first day.
Why IT onboarding matters
Poor IT onboarding can impact a business in multiple ways:
- Reduced productivity: Time spent waiting for accounts, access, or equipment delays a new starter’s contribution.
- Increased support requests: Without proper guidance, new employees may repeatedly contact IT for help, taking up resources and time.
- Security risks: Improperly configured devices or accounts can create vulnerabilities in your systems.
A well-planned onboarding process avoids these issues and ensures new employees are empowered to start adding value immediately.
Key elements of successful IT onboarding
1. Pre-start setup
Where possible, new devices, accounts, and software should be prepared before the employee’s first day. This includes laptops, monitors, access credentials, and any necessary licences. Pre-configuring devices not only saves time but also gives a professional first impression.
2. Clear access and permissions
Providing access to the systems and applications relevant to their role is essential. This includes email, intranet, CRM platforms, shared drives, and collaboration tools. Limiting access to only what is necessary also helps maintain security.
3. Training and guidance
Even familiar software may be set up differently in your business. Brief training sessions or user guides can help new starters understand workflows, best practices, and security protocols. This step reduces mistakes and builds confidence.
4. Security awareness
New employees should understand company security policies from the outset. This includes password management, multi-factor authentication, safe browsing practices, and guidance on recognising phishing attempts. Security-aware staff are your first line of defence.
5. Continuous support
IT onboarding should not end after the first day. Providing ongoing support, follow-up sessions, and a clear route for help ensures new employees feel supported as they grow into their role.
The role of managed IT support
Businesses that work with a managed IT support provider, like Forth Tech, often find onboarding is smoother, faster, and more secure. Managed support ensures devices are configured consistently, accounts are ready, and new employees receive guidance without putting additional strain on internal IT resources.
Effective IT onboarding is an investment in productivity, security, and employee satisfaction. By taking the time to properly equip and educate new starters, businesses can reduce delays, minimise risk, and ensure every employee is set up for success.
At Forth Tech, we help businesses streamline IT onboarding so new team members can focus on what they do best — contributing to your business from day one.
To find out more, contact our team.
The Biggest IT Myths We Hear from Business Owners
Technology plays a central role in modern business operations, yet many organisations still base important IT decisions on common misconceptions. At Forth Tech, we regularly speak with business owners who have been influenced by outdated assumptions about IT support, cyber security, and system management. Here are some of the most common IT myths we hear and the reality behind them. ...
IT Onboarding: Setting New Starters Up for Success
Bringing a new employee into your business is always exciting, but without proper IT onboarding, even the most talented starters can face unnecessary hurdles. At Forth Tech, we often see organisations lose productivity and cause frustration simply because new team members are not set up with the right tools, access, and guidance from day one. Effective IT onboarding is about ...
5 Signs Your IT Setup Is Holding You Back
Technology should support your business, not slow it down. Yet many organisations continue working around IT problems without realising the impact they’re having on productivity, security and growth. If your systems aren’t keeping pace with your business, they may be doing more harm than you think. Here are five common signs that your IT setup could be holding your business ...
Why January Is The Best Time To Review Your Cyber Security Strategy
The New Year is all about reflection, planning and fresh starts, so it’s the perfect opportunity for businesses to review their cybersecurity strategies to ensure they’re well prepared for the ever-increasing threat from cybercriminal activity. Cyber threats don’t reset in January, they’re constantly evolving. Cybercriminals are continuously thinking of new ways to access your network and steal your data by ...
How the Right Technology Creates Happier, More Productive Teams
Technology is no longer just a tool, it’s the backbone of how teams communicate, collaborate and deliver results. But while most organisations recognise the importance of technology, far fewer realise just how significantly it can impact employee wellbeing. At Forth Tech, we see every day how the right IT solutions can reduce stress, boost morale and ultimately create happier, more ...
Festive Season Cyber Security: Stay One Step Ahead of Christmas Scams
The festive season should be a time to relax, connect with loved ones and recharge, but for cybercriminals, it’s one of the most active periods of the year. As businesses wind down, staff take holidays and online activity surges, attackers seize the opportunity to target both individuals and organisations. At Forth Tech, we’re committed to helping you stay protected throughout ...
