The quicker a new staff member is made aware of the procedures and policies of their new workplace, the sooner they are able to comply with company expectations.Your staff induction program should be delivered in a simple format that explains your firm’s policies and procedures, your expectations of them and their specific responsibilities.
In addition to helping new staff, an induction can be useful for helping employees who are returning from extended leave or are taking on a new role in the business.
Mix formal and informal components
Effective staff induction programmes tend to have a mix of formal and informal elements. A relaxed format will help to put your new employee(s) at ease. After all, the first few days in their new jobs will be stressful so anything the company can do to alleviate this will create a good first impression.You want your new employees to feel welcomed and the format of the induction programme should convey this message. It is important, of course, to ensure that the formal aspects of the induction are covered too. So, presentations and training sessions on things like health and safety, legal requirements and systems should be scheduled into the new joiner’s first few days.
A staff induction booklet that compliments the training is a useful reference tool for new staff members. There is often a lot of information to take in on the first day of work. Your staff will appreciate the fact that they have a document to refer to later on (rather than having to bother their manager every few minutes). Don’t forget to cover the basics such as core hours of work, pay and leave entitlements. The induction should also cover things like fire escapes, break areas, toilet locations, etc.
A positive experience
The importance of making a good first impression should not be forgotten.Employers who welcome new employees with a commitment to open communication, formalised policies and procedures and a positive work environment are rewarded by enthusiastic staff.
Employees appreciate when an effort has been made to welcome them. Good relationships are the foundations of good businesses. So think of your induction training as your way to make a great first impression on new joiners to the business.
