Induction programme

An induction programme is the process used within many businesses to welcome new employees to the company and prepare them for their new role.

Benefits of an induction programme

An induction programme is an important process for bringing staff into an organisation. It provides an introduction to the working environment and the set-up of the employee within the organisation. The process will cover the employer and employee rights and the terms and conditions of employment. As a priority the induction programme must cover any legal and compliance requirements for working at the company and pay attention to the health and safety of the new employee.

An induction programme is part of an organisations knowledge management process and is intended to enable the new starter to become a useful, integrated member of the team, rather than being "thrown in at the deep end" without understanding how to do their job, or how their role fits in with the rest of the company.

A good induction programmes can increase productivity and reduce short-term turnover of staff.

A typical induction programme

A typical induction programme will include at least some of the following:

*any legal requirements (for example in the UK, some Health and Safety training is obligatory)
*any regulatroy requirements (for example in the UK banking sector certain forms need to be completed)
*introduction to terms and conditions (for example, holiday entitlement, how to make expense claims, etc)
*a basic introduction to the company, and how the particular department fits in
*a guided tour of the building
*completion of government requirements (for example in UK submission of a P45 or P60)
*set-up of payroll details
*introductions to key members of staff
*specific job-role training

Best practise

In order to fully benefit the company and employee, the induction programme should be planned in advance. A timetable should be prepared, detailing the induction activities for a set period of time (ideally at least a week) for the new employee, including a named member of staff who will be responsible for each activity. This plan should be circulated to everyone involved in the induction process, including the new starter. If possible it should be sent to the new starter in advance.

It is also considered best practise to assign a "buddy" to every new starter. If possible this should be a person who the new starter will not be working with directly, but who can undertake some of the tasks on the induction programme, as well as generally make the new employee feel welcome. (For example, by ensuring they are included in any lunchtime social activities.)

ee also

* Induction (teachers) for induction of teachers in England and Wales
* Employee Exit Management

References

* [http://www.acas.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=892 ACAS article "Recruitment, selection and induction]
*Browning, Guy (15th July 2004) "New kid on the block" People Management Magazine