The Value of Induction
Many employers see the induction of new staff as a waste of valuable time, but it is a critical part of appointing a new employee. The induction and orientation period is an emotionally charged time for the new recruit and those early experiences create lasting impressions of the organisation, its culture and work ethic. It also conveys how the Company values its employees.
When you invest in new equipment, you spend a lot of time and money ensuring that it is properly installed and set up (usually by an expert). You draw up project plans and maintenance schedules and you want to be present when it is powered up or operated for the first time. Why then do we fail to devote the same amount of care and attention to the induction of a new employee?
An effective induction programme will ensure that your new recruit becomes a productive member of your team much sooner than if you simply threw them into the workplace and expected them succeed with little or no support.
Failure to explain rules and regulations can lead to serious misunderstandings and create unnecessary conflict with colleagues and/or supervisors. Some new employees become disillusioned and even resign while others could be dismissed for poor performance when an effective induction process might well have ensured that they succeed. Either way, the absence of an effective induction process usually results in avoidable and hidden costs.
To make sure your new employee hits the ground running on his first day:
- Advise the employee in advance, what documents he needs to bring with him on the first day; (ID, drivers licence, etc,)
- What time he must arrive at the office;
- Where he should park;
- How he should access the building; and
- What the company dress code is.
- Prepare an “on-boarding pack” and have it ready and waiting when he arrives. Include information such as (but not limited to);
- Contract of Employment (if not already provided)
- Relevant HR & payroll forms
- Policies & Procedures or Employee handbook – including the Company’s Code of Conduct and Disciplinary & Grievance Procedure
- Employee Benefits Information, such as leave allocation, retirement funds, medical aid, bonus/incentive schemes, etc.
- Health & Safety Regulations
- Information regarding pay dates, performance reviews and any other information that will help ease the employee into their new work environment.
Ensure that the employee signs an acknowledgement of receipt of important documents, policies & procedures and that he undertakes to familiarise himself with the contents.
Research shows that a thorough and well-structured induction process creates a positive perception of the organisation, improves employee engagement and retention and ensures operational efficiency.
Pro-Act HR and IR Consultants can assist you with the development and implementation of an effective induction programme, customised to meet the specific needs of your organisation. Contact us!