Do you remember the first day in your current job? Chances are it was a bit daunting. But a well thought out first few days can ensure your new employee gets off to a positive start.

So now that the responsibility for inducting new employees is in your hands, follow our top tips to make sure you get it right!

Planning

When formulating the induction, you need to think how long it will be, how it will be organised and who will be involved.

You should consider whether the new employee will have a work buddy or mentor so they can ask questions while they find their feet and who is best placed and has the capacity to fulfil this role.

What to include

In your induction, you should

• Make sure all the admin is sorted – Have you provided them with a Contract of Employment or a written statement of particulars? Do you have their National Insurance Number? Have you made copies of all the relevant documents? Have you covered how they will receive their payslip?
• Give them a tour of the workplace – Make sure the new starters know where everything is, including toilets, kitchen or canteen, any locker or storage areas, car parks, water coolers, stationery cupboards, etc.
• Introduce them to managers and colleagues.
• Provide them with an overview of the business, departments and its structure. It is highly beneficial to give them a comprehensive insight into what the commercial objectives, long-term strategy, and company values are, so they feel part of the business and understand the future plans.
• Tell them about their job and their responsibilities, in particular, your business’s work practices, standards, procedures and expected level of behaviour.
• Give them your Employee Handbook, which contains all your HR policies and procedures. It is recommended that you ask them to sign a receipt acknowledging that they have received, read and understood the Handbook.
• Explain all the pertinent Health & Safety information – fire exits, assembly points, location of first aid kits, etc.
• Provide them with training on how to use work systems (e.g. phone and email) and any other specialist equipment. It is also a good opportunity to identify any other training needs.
• If there is a dress code, go through it.
• Ensure their workplace space and equipment is ready for them when they arrive.
• Allow them the chance to ask questions and raise any concerns they have.

It is important not to overload the new starter with too much information too quickly, so you need to decide what to do on day one and what can wait for a few days.

Remember…

At Ellis Whittam, we can help you with your HR, Employment Law and Health & Safety challenges, including Contracts of Employment, Employee Handbooks, and dress codes. Give us a call to find how our Employment Law Advisers and Health & Safety Consultants can assist you.