HR Automation: Onboarding to Offboarding Workflows
HR is full of repetitive workflows — onboarding, PTO, performance reviews, offboarding. Automation ensures nothing falls through the cracks and frees HR for strategic work. Here's how to automate the employee lifecycle.
Table of Contents
Onboarding
- Offer accepted → trigger checklist (IT, manager, HR)
- Docs: contract, handbook, tax forms — e-sign, track completion
- Equipment & accounts — ticket to IT, order hardware
- Welcome email sequence, first-day schedule
PTO & Leave
Request → manager approval → calendar sync. Balance tracking, accrual rules. Tools: BambooHR, Rippling, or custom. See our Approval Workflows guide.
Performance Reviews
Schedule review cycles, send self-assessment, collect manager feedback, compile. Lattice, 15Five, or custom. Reduces admin around review time.
Offboarding
Resignation → checklist: exit interview, equipment return, access revocation, final pay. Ensure nothing is missed.
Tools & Custom Build
BambooHR, Rippling, Gusto — HRIS with workflows. For unique processes or integration with custom systems: custom automation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will automation make HR feel cold?
Automation handles logistics — reminders, checklists, routing. Humans still do the personal touch: welcome call, exit interview, difficult conversations. Automation ensures consistency; humans add empathy.