The problem
The first week sets the tone, and in a small shop it's often improvised: the truck isn't ready, the tablet login doesn't work, the safety training happens 'later'. The steps are the same every time but live in nobody's checklist.
What Cowork does
- The owner adds the new hire to a hiring sheet with start date and role.
- Cowork copies the right templates from Drive (handbook acknowledgment, tool policy, vehicle policy) into a folder for the hire.
- It drafts a welcome email with the first-day time, place, what to bring, and who to ask for.
- It writes a first-week checklist for the office: Gusto onboarding sent, app logins, uniform, safety training, ride-alongs.
Where the draft lands
A new-hire folder, a welcome email draft and a checklist doc.
What stays with you
Payroll and tax forms in Gusto, keys and trucks, and the actual welcome.
Hi Marcus, welcome to Cedar Plumbing. Your first day is Monday, Oct 20. Come to the shop at 7:00 AM (214 Mill St, park by the side door). Bring your driver's license and work boots; we provide shirts. Luis will ride with you all week. Gusto will email you to set up pay. Ana
Watch-outs
- Employment paperwork rules vary by state. Templates should come from your HR provider or attorney.
- Don't put Social Security numbers or IDs in Drive docs Cowork creates. Gusto handles those.
Questions owners ask
Can it send Gusto onboarding?
Send the invite from Gusto. Cowork can check whether the hire finished it.
Does this help with retention?
A smooth first week can't hurt. We don't have numbers for small shops.