Help your new staff help your business as soon as they start!
By Stephen Keens
Key Business Advisors HR Team Manager
So you’ve developed and followed an effective recruitment plan, then hired the top applicant whose skills and attitude are aligned with your business’s goals and need. How do you now make sure that your new staff not only contributes to your business as soon as they start, but also stays for the long haul?
You may have invested a significant amount of time and money in hiring new staff, but you need to follow through and implement a professional induction program. A thorough induction process allows you to get a return on investment in your new staff soon after they start in your business. It can also increase your staff retention and help you avoid having to go through the costs of recruiting and training a replacement because your latest star hire left before the end of their first year.
Advice: An effective and thorough induction program will help ensure your new employee’s job satisfaction and success in helping your business grow. Your induction program should cover your new employee’s first two to six weeks on the job, depending on the role’s complexity. Show your new staff how they are going to get started in your business – help them to understand your systems, processes and culture so that they can be more productive.
Create an action plan that is linked to your new staff’s position description, and make sure they are clear about the requirements of their role, as well as what they need to work on so that they stay committed and motivated to improve themselves and grow your business. Cover all of your company policies and procedures, and show them the value of working as a team to provide the best service to your customers or clients.
You can also get your existing employees and even your suppliers to help induct your new staff into your business. Doing so would help build their relationship with each other and promote a positive work environment from the start.
For more information, or if you need assistance in developing your induction program, contact us on 1300 4 ADVICE or email info@keyba.com.au.
