Pre-Day 1: Paperwork & Access
Remove admin friction so Day 1 is hands-on, not forms-only.
- Create accounts and logins; install the Werx Field App on phone/tablet
- Share a one-page cost-code cheat sheet and jobsite rules
- Confirm PPE, basic tools, and vehicle/parking details
- Send “week 1 schedule” with start time, location, mentor name
Day 1: Orientation & Safety First
Keep it short, practical, and field-ready.
- Company overview, communication norms, and safety briefing
- Jobsite tour; equipment check; emergency procedures
- Hands-on: make the first time entry (job → phase → code)
- Explain photos/notes for T&M proof and quality
Days 2–3: Shadowing, Standards & Checklists
Mentor ride-alongs build confidence faster than manuals.
- Shadow crew on core tasks with a task checklist
- Practice coding time entries and splitting hours across phases
- Capture a sample Extra Work Authorization with a mock signature
- Daily huddle: what worked, what’s unclear, next goals
Days 4–5: Supervised Tasks & Quality Control
Gradually increase responsibility with clear QC gates.
- Assign small, time-boxed tasks with acceptance criteria
- Use photo logs for before/after verification
- Foreman reviews time, notes, and any T&M backup before approval
- Close week with feedback and a skills checklist sign-off
Weeks 2–4: Ramp, KPIs & Coaching
Keep momentum with visible metrics and quick coaching loops.
- On-time timecards (daily), coding accuracy, and rework rate
- Productivity benchmarks (units/hour) by task
- Weekly 10-minute check-ins; next-skill target each week
Training Materials that Stick
Short beats long—make knowledge easy to find on site.
- One-page SOPs with photos; QR codes on tools/vehicles
- 90-second clips for tricky steps (lift setup, lockout, sealants)
- Templates for daily reports and EWAs
Approvals, Payroll & Job-Cost Alignment
Protect payroll accuracy and billing with simple controls.
- Require daily entry and weekly supervisor approval
- Attach notes/photos for T&M work
- Sync approved time to QuickBooks Online
Common Onboarding Pitfalls (and Fixes)
A few tweaks eliminate most slowdowns.
- Info overload → stagger training in micro-modules
- Tool chaos → standard kit, labeled bins, restock list
- Unclear goals → publish a first-week checklist and KPIs
How Werx Accelerates Onboarding
The Werx Field App guides new hires through coding hours, adding notes/photos, and capturing EWAs—feeding accurate billing and payroll from day one.
- Mobile time entry by job/phase/cost code with approvals
- Extra Work Authorizations and signatures on site
- Clean handoff to billing and QuickBooks sync
FAQs About Field Onboarding
What belongs in a new-hire field packet?
PPE list, tool checklist, cost-code cheat sheet, safety basics, app login, and a one-page Week-1 schedule with mentor contact info.
How long should onboarding take?
A structured first week gets new hires productive; most reach steady output in 2–4 weeks depending on trade and prior experience.
How do we know onboarding is working?
Track on-time timecards, coding accuracy, rework rate, and first-month productivity vs. benchmarks. Review weekly and coach fast.
TL;DR Recap
- Prep access and tools before Day 1; assign a mentor
- Use checklists, micro-training, and daily time entry
- Set simple KPIs (on-time, accuracy, rework, units/hour)
