What Is Preboarding? | HR Glossary | BambooHR
Engagement and preparation activities between a signed offer and the first day.
Preboarding is everything an employer does to welcome and prepare a new hire between the moment they accept the offer and their first working day. It bridges a period when doubt or a counter-offer can cause new joiners to withdraw.
Typical preboarding includes completing contracts and payroll forms, gathering right-to-work documentation, ordering equipment, sharing a first-day plan and introducing the team. Thoughtful touches — a welcome message or access to a joiner portal — help new hires feel connected before they arrive.
By moving administration earlier, preboarding lets the first day focus on people and purpose rather than paperwork. HR systems that support digital forms and task workflows make the process smooth for both the joiner and the wider team.
