Why Induction Training Matters: How Do You Ensure New Employees Feel Welcome and Informed?

Induction training is absolutely vital for new starters. Good induction training ensures new starters are retained and settled in quickly and happily to a productive role. Induction training is more than skills training; it's about the basics that seasoned employees all take for granted: what the shifts are, where the notice-board is, what the routine is for holidays and sickness, where the canteen is, what the dress code is, and where the toilets are. New employees also need to understand the organization's mission, goals, values, and philosophy; personnel practices; health and safety rules; and, of course, the job they're required to do, with clear methods, timescales, and expectations. Proper induction training is increasingly a legal requirement. Employers have a formal duty to provide new employees with all relevant information and training relating to health and safety, in particular. As a manager for new employees, it's your responsibility to ensure that induction training is properly planned. As with other types of training, learning and development can be achieved through many different methods - use as many as you need to and which suit the individuals and the group.

Here are some examples of training methods which can be used to augment the basics normally covered in a classroom format:
- on-the-job coaching
- mentoring
- delegated tasks and projects
- reading assignments
- presentation assignments
- attending internal briefings and presentations, e.g., 'lunch and learn' format
- special responsibilities which require obtaining new skills or knowledge or exposure
- video
- internet and e-learning
- customer and supplier visits
- attachment to projects or other teams
- job-swap
- shadowing (observing another employee to see how they perform tasks and what's involved).

Induction training must include the following elements:
- General training relating to the organization, including values and philosophy as well as structure and history, etc.
- Mandatory training relating to health and safety and other essential or legal areas.
- Job training relating to the role that the new starter will be performing.
- Training evaluation, entailing confirmation of understanding and feedback about the quality and response to the training. And while not strictly part of the induction training stage, it's also helpful to refer to and discuss personal strengths and personal development wishes and aspirations so that people see they are valued as individuals with their own unique potential, rather than just being a name and a function. I am attaching some Induction Training Checklists for your use.

Proper induction training is crucial for new employees as it ensures they are integrated smoothly into their roles. It goes beyond just skills training, encompassing essential information like organizational basics, health and safety rules, and job expectations. Employers have a legal obligation to provide comprehensive induction training, including general organization training, mandatory health and safety training, job-specific training, and evaluation. Various training methods can be employed, such as on-the-job coaching, mentoring, and e-learning. It's important for managers to plan induction training effectively and cater to individual and group needs. Additionally, discussing personal strengths and development aspirations can help employees feel valued. The provided Induction Training Checklists can be a valuable resource for ensuring a thorough onboarding process.