Ensure a successful start.

An effective onboarding program supports your recruitment efforts. Research shows that a successful onboarding reduces employee turnover, increases productivity and boosts morale which will initiate a positive working relationship with your employees and improve your bottom line. Here you’ll find checklists and templates to help you meet regulatory requirements and set your team up for success from day one.

Find information on conducting a well-planned orientation program to properly onboard your new employees.

Before Start Date

Start Date

Payroll

Probation Period

Before Start Date

Prepare for a smooth onboarding by completing key tasks before the employee arrives. This includes paperwork, setting up payroll and systems access, and ensuring the workspace, tools, and training plan are ready.

Employers must customize all documents to fit their individual operation’s needs.

A practical guide that outlines steps employers can take between hiring and an employee’s first day to help new workers feel prepared, supported, and welcome. It covers pre‑boarding communication, first‑day planning, and required WorkSafeBC safety orientation.

Welcoming New Employees (PDF)

Learn more about the importance of distinguishing between an Employee, Volunteer or Independent Contractor

Is My Worker an Employee, Volunteer or Independent Contractor (PDF)

Start Date

Create a positive first impression with a structured first day. Welcome the employee, review roles and expectations, complete required documentation, and introduce them to the team and workplace practices.

Employers must customize all documents to fit their individual operation’s needs.

A detailed guide for farm and agri‑food employers on building an effective onboarding process from pre‑arrival through the first 90 days. It covers orientation, safety requirements, training, policies, check‑ins, and onboarding considerations for seasonal, returning, international, and young workers, with a clear onboarding checklist.

Onboarding Tips (PDF)

A step‑by‑step checklist to help employers manage the hiring and onboarding process from offer letter to post‑orientation follow‑ups. It covers pre‑employment tasks, required forms, first‑day orientation, health and safety requirements, and 30‑ and 90‑day check‑ins.

New Hire Checklist Template (.doc)

A standard form for collecting essential employee information, including personal details, contact information, emergency contacts, and required identifiers needed for payroll and employee records.

New Hire Information Template (.doc)

A reference guide to help you build your own employee handbook. This template will help you ensure you have all components required for your handbook.

Employee Handbook Template (.doc)

Payroll

Ensure employees are set up correctly and paid accurately and on time. Learn about payroll requirements, deductions, record-keeping, and compliance with employment standards and tax regulations.

Employers must customize all documents to fit their individual operation’s needs.

This resource outlines your responsibilities as a farm employer when paying employees. It covers payroll basics, required deductions, T4s, and Records of Employment, with links to helpful federal and provincial tools to keep you compliant.

Paying Employees (PDF)

A simple authorization form employees can sign to approve payroll deductions, such as housing, meals, or other agreed‑upon expenses, including the amount, purpose, and deduction schedule.

Payroll Deduction Form Template (.doc)

Probation

Use the probation period to support new employees and assess fit. Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and document performance to guide decisions about continued employment.

Employers must customize all documents to fit their individual operation’s needs.

An overview of probationary periods for agricultural employers, explaining their purpose, typical duration, and what can be assessed during this time. The document also outlines termination considerations under BC employment standards and provides practical tips for fair evaluation, safety, clear communication, and proper documentation.

Probation Period Information (PDF)

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