PEOPLE FOCUS - CIPD

NEW GRADUATE FACTSHEET PEOPLE FOCUS
5 Steps to a
Flying start to
Company
Induction
by Ciaran Buckley
Every new joiner in an
organisation should
attend a well structured,
timed and sequenced
induction programme.
Induction is no longer just an
introduction to a job. Employers use
induction to give new starters a
snapshot of “how things are done
around here” bringing company culture
into the induction process.
Properly structured, well timed
inductions can help reduce the possibility
of an “induction crisis”.
An induction crisis can occur when the
new joiner has not settled in properly or
the job has not met their expectations. It
is HR’s task to reduce induction crisis
through the development of job specs,
recruitment processes and lastly
Induction processes. First impressions of
both the company and HR are pivotal
and really can shine through in a
flawless induction process.
1. Be Prepared
The following tasks should be executed
before a new joiner’s first day induction
where possible.
• Desk –Clean, any old material
removed
• IT Equipment – Phone extension
number arranged
• Personal Computer, Login, E-mail set
up
• Business Cards ordered
• Included in company directories, &
Web
• Where possible included in new
company publication’s (if relevant)
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These simple tasks are often
overlooked. Can you imagine starting in
a new company and not having a
personal computer on your first day?
It happens!
2. Summarised Induction
Pack
• Sending a summarised induction
pack the Friday before a new joiner
starts (presuming they commence
employment on a Wednesday), gives
a new joiner time to become
accustomed with material such as
company ethos, pay scales,
departments, sick pay entitlements
etc. It also gives the company an
opportunity to request any relevant
documents that may be needed.
3. Weekend Reflection
• The reason that commence of
employment is suggested to start on
a Wednesday is because this breaks
the week up and allows for an
induction period to stretch to the
following Tuesday (average company
induction one week). This allows the
new joiner the weekend in between
to reflect on what has been learned
and focus on the job at hand.
4. Later Start Time
• The start time of the first day should
be 9.30am. Commencing it on the
half hour allows for a certain
amount of flexibility in relation to
the new joiner finding the office.
5. Keep it Light
• Day One should be kept relatively
light. It is very important in the first
day to stimulate employee’s minds
without overloading them with
information. Ice-breaking exercises/
games are very important here, not
only will it get them thinking but will
allow them to let their guard down
and interact with one another ■
Remember
Timing is crucial! Sending the pack
on the Friday, the marginally later
start time on the Wednesday, and
weekend gap are all strategic steps
to ensure time, money and
resources are used efficiently and
effectively. Being creative,
enthusiastic and requesting
feedback will reduce wastage and
get induction off to a flying start.
Ciaran Buckley is a
final year student
in the National
College of Ireland
studying the BA in
HR & Accountancy