Understanding Induction Programs: What Challenges Do You Face and How Do They Shape Culture?

Hello everybody,

Can you please tell me the potential pitfalls of an induction/orientation program? What are the problems that one can face in delivering an effective orientation program? And finally, how does an orientation program help in ingraining the organizational culture amongst new employees?

Amit

Dear Amit,

I feel an induction/orientation program is very important for a new joiner, where you are actually introducing a new joiner to the whole organization. It should include a proper briefing about the company's profile, culture, practices, policies, code of conduct, settings, etc. In addition to this, the new joiner needs to be briefed in detail about his/her roles and responsibilities in the new position he/she is going to take up. Introduction to all staff members. The objective should be to make that candidate comfortable with the new organization so that he/she can feel part of the organization as early as possible. So, pitfalls of an induction program can include not taking care of the above-mentioned points properly.

Regards,
Shweta

Hi,

The Induction Programme is designed to help new employees become familiar with the requirements of their post and adapt to their new working environment as quickly as possible. The Induction Programme covers several aspects:

i) To provide a planned introduction and training period that will assist you in becoming competent in the duties of your post;

ii) To help you develop contacts with the staff with whom you will need to liaise in connection with your job;

iii) To ensure that you are aware of how your post relates to the work of the Department as a whole;

iv) To provide you with an overview of how the University works and an understanding of its mission.

The purpose of this document is to welcome you to the University of Southampton and to provide a brief guide to the Induction Programme.

b) The Induction Process

i) Induction Coordinator

The majority of your induction will be carried out within your Department. An Induction Coordinator will be appointed to oversee the process, and this will normally be your Head of Department or their nominee. You should have regular meetings with the Induction Coordinator to discuss progress and to review your training and development needs. These meetings will also provide you with the opportunity to raise any other issues relating to your employment. You should also be allocated a Senior Colleague/Mentor from the Department who will act as a source of informal advice and support.

ii) The Induction Checklist

The Induction Checklist outlines the basic stages in the Induction Process and can be adapted to meet the specific requirements of your post. You can check off each item as it is covered. Please note that you should discuss any outstanding items with your Induction Coordinator at your meeting at the end of the first month so that arrangements can be made to ensure these are covered. If you have any queries about your Induction Programme, please contact your Induction Coordinator in the first instance.

May this will help you.

Swati-J