What is a new hire training plan?

A new hire training plan is a structured outline that guides how a new employee will learn the skills, responsibilities, and expectations of their role. It typically covers the first days or weeks of employment and includes job-specific instruction, team orientation, workplace policies, and any required compliance training.

For small businesses, a training plan helps ensure consistency, reduce ramp-up time, and set up new hires for long-term success. With Homebase, you can streamline hiring, scheduling, and onboarding—so your training plan flows naturally from the moment an employee is hired.

Why a new hire training plan matters

Training doesn’t need to be formal to be effective—but it does need to be consistent. Without a plan, small businesses risk miscommunication, inefficiencies, safety issues, and preventable turnover.

Here’s why creating a training plan is worth it:

• Faster productivity – Clear instruction helps new hires contribute sooner
• Better retention – Employees who are trained feel more confident and are more likely to stay
• Reduced errors – Standardized training minimizes costly mistakes
• Improved team morale – Seasoned employees aren’t stuck re-training people over and over
• More accountability – Managers and employees know what’s expected from day one

What to include in a new hire training plan

The best training plans are tailored to the job, but most include a mix of company orientation, job duties, tools and systems, and performance expectations.

1. Company overview

• Your mission, values, and customer philosophy
• Overview of leadership structure
• Introduction to team culture and communication norms
• Basic workplace policies (breaks, dress code, time tracking)

2. Role-specific duties

• A breakdown of key tasks (e.g. running a register, prepping food, assisting customers)
• Tools or equipment they’ll use and how to operate them safely
• Guidelines for pace, accuracy, and quality expectations

3. Technology and systems

• Time clock and scheduling apps
• Point-of-sale (POS) systems
• Internal communication tools
• Payroll or HR platforms (like Homebase)

4. Workplace safety and compliance

• Health and safety protocols
• Labor law basics (e.g., meal breaks, minor laws)
• Any industry-specific rules or regulations

5. Customer service standards

• Greeting and interacting with customers
• Conflict resolution or escalation process
• Role-playing common customer scenarios

6. Evaluation and check-ins

• Timeline for training milestones (e.g., 3 days, 1 week, 30 days)
• When managers will provide feedback
• How progress will be measured and documented

Sample new hire training plan for a small business

Let’s say you own a local bakery hiring a part-time cashier. A 5-day training plan might look like:

• Day 1: Orientation, safety procedures, team introductions 
• Day 2: POS training, handling transactions, end-of-day procedures 
• Day 3: Customer service role-play, conflict handling, bakery menu review 
• Day 4: Independent register shifts with supervision 
• Day 5: Final assessment and feedback session

By the end of the week, the employee is ready to run the front register independently.

Best practices for training new employees

• Start with a warm welcome – The first impression sets the tone for long-term engagement
• Assign a go-to person – Designate a peer or supervisor to answer questions
• Use real-life scenarios – Let new hires shadow shifts, try tasks hands-on, and learn by doing
• Pace the information – Don’t overwhelm them with everything on day one
• Encourage feedback – Ask what’s working and where they need more help
• Track progress – Use a checklist or digital record to ensure everything’s covered

How Homebase supports new hire training

Homebase helps small businesses get new hires up to speed quickly with digital onboarding tools, scheduling, and team communication—all in one place. Once someone is hired, you can plug them directly into your shift plan, assign them to managers, and start their training on day one.

With Homebase, you can:

• Digitally onboard new hires with forms and documents
• Send training checklists and orientation materials
• Add new employees to the team schedule right away
• Track time and attendance from the start
• Message team members for quick training support

Explore Homebase Hiring and Onboarding to build a new hire training system that sets your team up for long-term success—without slowing down your operations.