A successful first day

Inducting a new employee is not that difficult: just follow the 10 easy steps.

Ask anyone about their first day at work and you might hear a horror story about not being welcomed, not getting a desk, being locked out of security systems, never being shown the toilets, not being introduced to other people in the business, and never getting a phone number or even a phone, let alone a computer of their own!

Others might tell quite a different story: they get to meet everyone, some are even welcomed with a morning tea in their honour, a desk is ready with all that they need, or uniforms, etc.

So what are the essentials for a successful induction? You should give the best first impression of your group and the new person’s job by delivering the 10 induction essentials.

1. Warm welcome

How hard is it to plan ahead for a warm welcome? Those first impressions for the new person are critical. It should be a tangible welcome – card or note from CEO, flowers on desk … something special and memorable.

2. Ensuring a productive workplace

The workspace should be clear and equipped; everything should be “up and running” – the phone extension and the security pass should be ready, for example. The person should be given information on all the facilities and equipment, and shown where the bathrooms are.

3. Introductions to key people

The responsibility for introductions should be assigned in advance. The person should be introduced to all the team, senior managers and any key personnel. It would help to provide a layout map with names and functions and organisational charts.

4: Background to organisation and policies

Prepare a range of corporate brochures and background information on the business, samples, news, and provide sufficient information on essential procedures and processes – such as safety procedures, email policies, etc. This may be done with centrally managed induction program, online or at the person’s work area.

5: Team goals and directions

It is very important to start with a briefing on current important issues for the team and the business. Again, this may be done with centrally managed induction program, online or at the person’s work area. It should be made very clear what is the role of the team in the organisation, and the role of the person within that team. Many people start new jobs and have to work this out for themselves over time.

6: Team ground rules

These are the spoken, occasionally written and often unsaid rules about the team behaviours, use of shared facilities, workflows and even housekeeping. It’s ideal to provide the new person with a list.

7: Job description and pay

Provide role and job description. It seems obvious, but is often not done. It should outline the pay, any additional bonuses or overtime requirements and conditions, and expectations and goals for the job. If a workplace agreement is required, or confidentiality agreements they should be completed prior to day one or at least on day one.

8: Training and review procedures

Establish the agreed training needs, and outline what is available, and provide a schedule for the learning or training – at least over the coming days or weeks. Explain the performance review approach and provide sample forms.

9: Computers and IT

Alert IT support people in advance. Ensure software, log-ins, and passwords are in place. Establish level of familiarity with software used in organisation. Provide navigation and introduction to local intranet and local software.

10: Meaningful work at the start
Initial tasks should be pre-planned so they are meaningful. Establish “buddy” or coach to work with or to refer to. Ensuring an early productive experience will bring rewards.

Eve Ash is a psychologist and managing director of Seven Dimensions, and co-producer of the Ash.Quarry Productions video 10 Essentials for Successful Induction (Take Away Training series) www.7dimensions.com.au