With the big resignation over the last year, companies have needed to up their game in regards to the employees journey and induction. So what is Induction? Sometimes it can be called Orientation or onboarding. This process is to introduce a new employee to the company, their job role and the working environment. They will go through polices and processes with the aim of bringing the employee up to speed as quickly as possible as well as making them feel welcomed into the company. Companies will typically have an induction programme in place and follow the same processes for all new hires, although the induction process may vary depending on the industry, the job role and the seniority of the new hire.
It’s also the second impression that the company which can make or break the employee’s journey. The first impression was at interview. Can they see themselves working for this company? Do their values and ethos match?
Now they have been through the interviews, presentations, etc and they want to work for the company. They got the job! Hurrah! The first day can be a make or break whether or not they stay. It’s important that the company make it work for every individual. First and second impressions count, third may not!
While they are excited to start their new role, nerves kick in for their first day. “Will it be well organised? Do they know I am coming? What time will I finish? What will they get me to do?” If you have anxiety, that can be increased dramatically. Some things going through their head might be:
- What are their expectations of me?
- Will they like me?
- Will I like them?
- Will they make me do something that will make me look silly?
- When do I actually start my job role?
And Breath!
From a small business to a large company, everyone should be welcomed into the company with a positive clear employer brand, values and culture. A lot of peoples impressions of their first day can be boring, too many slides, too much talking, not feeling valued for what they can bring, too many polices etc. How can you make it more interactive and inclusive?
It can cost a business up to £30,000 to recruit and train a new employee. That’s why it is so important to recognise the importance of Inductions.
Does yours need a re-vamp? What does your induction say about your company? One hour, 4 hours, 8 hours? What happens on them? Is it productive? So many questions to answer.
Hopefully you have a great induction process in place but if not our Learning and Development Manager, Tracey, works with small and medium sized businesses to support them with having the right induction process for their business. She looks at the company values, culture, what needs to be included and how to ensure that the new employee feels welcomed.
