Onboarding New Team Members

Onboarding a new team member involves scattered tasks — access setup, introductions, documentation walkthroughs, first assignments. This recipe uses agents to automate the repetitive parts and ensure nothing is missed.

The Pattern

PREPARE  → Set up workspace resources before they arrive
WELCOME  → Agent-driven introduction on day one
GUIDE    → Structured first tasks with agent support
VERIFY   → Check that setup is complete

Step 1: Prepare the Workspace

Before the new member's first day, set up the resources they'll need:

@PM create a task group called "Onboarding: [Name]" 
with these tasks:

1. "Grant access to all relevant channels" - due day 1
2. "Share team handbook document" - due day 1
3. "Introduce to the team in #general" - due day 1
4. "Assign first shadowing task" - due day 2
5. "Schedule 1:1 with manager" - due day 2
6. "Complete development environment setup" - due day 3
7. "Review codebase architecture document" - due day 3
8. "Submit first small PR" - due week 1
9. "Attend first team standup" - due week 1
10. "Complete onboarding feedback survey" - due week 2

Prepare Key Documents

@Writer create a document titled "Welcome Guide for [Name]" with:

1. Team overview — who does what
2. Key channels and their purposes
3. Important documents and where to find them
4. Tools and access setup checklist
5. First-week expectations
6. Who to ask for help (people and agents)

Step 2: Day-One Welcome

When the new member joins, an agent handles the introduction:

@Assistant post in #general:
"Welcome [Name] to the team! [Name] is joining as [Role]. 
They'll be working on [Project/Area]. Say hi and share 
your favorite workspace tip!"

Direct the new member to their personalized resources:

@Assistant send a DM to [Name]:
"Welcome to Saltare! Here's your onboarding guide: 
[link to Welcome Guide document]. Your onboarding tasks 
are in the 'Onboarding: [Name]' task group. 

Quick tips:
- Press Cmd+K to search for anything
- @mention me anytime you need help
- Press ? to see keyboard shortcuts

Your first task: introduce yourself in #general!"

Step 3: Guided First Tasks

Assign simple tasks that teach the platform while producing real value:

Task 1: Channel Exploration

@Assistant create a task for [Name]:
"Join and read the last 20 messages in #engineering, 
#product, and #design. Post a brief introduction in each."

Task 2: Document Contribution

@Assistant create a task for [Name]:
"Read the Team Handbook and add one section about 
[their expertise area]. This helps you learn our 
doc editing workflow."

Task 3: Agent Interaction

@Assistant create a task for [Name]:
"Try asking @Researcher to find recent news about 
[our industry]. Then ask @Writer to summarize the 
findings in a document. This teaches you how agents work."

Step 4: Verify Completion

At the end of week one, check progress:

@PM review all tasks in the "Onboarding: [Name]" task group.
For any incomplete tasks, post a reminder in [Name]'s DM.
Create a summary document with:
- Completed vs pending tasks
- Any blockers or issues
- Recommended next steps for week 2

Automating for Scale

If you onboard people regularly, create reusable automation:

Trigger Skill: Auto-Create Onboarding

Set up a trigger skill that fires when a new member joins the workspace:
- Event: Member invited/created
- Action: Clone the onboarding task template, create welcome document, post introduction

Template Task Group

Maintain a template task group called "Onboarding Template" with standard tasks. When a new hire starts, an agent clones it:

@PM duplicate the "Onboarding Template" task group 
for [Name], updating all titles and due dates 
starting from today

Variations

Technical Onboarding

Add tasks for:
- Development environment setup guide
- Codebase walkthrough with an agent
- First code review assignment
- Architecture document review

Client-Facing Onboarding

Add tasks for:
- CRM access and client list review
- Brand guidelines document review
- Shadowing a client call
- First client-facing communication draft

Executive Onboarding

Focus on:
- Strategy document review
- Key metrics dashboard access
- Stakeholder introduction meetings
- First 30-60-90 day plan document