So what do you do with your new front line staff? These fresh faced individuals which you have carefully selected through an often costly recruitment process, who have themselves thoughtfully made the decision to come and work in your organization. What is planned for their first few days as your newest employee?
Are they, like most front line staff, buddied up with a more experienced staff member and told to learn the ropes as they go?
The power of a properly planned induction training works it's power in three ways.
1. It reinforces to the new employee that their decision to accept the position was a sound one given that the company takes the initiative in properly introducing the companies culture, vision, expectations and methods of work.
2. The company benefits in that there is immediately a stronger bond forming between employer and employee by having the induction, thereby lessening the chance of the employee becoming disillusioned and leaving.
3. The customer benefits by having a staff member relating to them who is confident and able to perform their duty in an efficient manner, instead of having to make do with a 'newby' fumbling around.
Note: ( The customer pays the same price for your service regardless of which employee cares for them - so why should they be offered up as someone who will assist you to train your new employees on the job?)
What to include in your inductions?
- Introduction to the business/department and its personnel/management structure.
- A thorough understanding of expected standards in the workplace.
- Correct health and safety requirements.
- A refresher course on the particular skills needed in their area, namely showing staff the company way of doing things, as opposed to how things may be done elswhere.
