Tips for inducting new employees

After a drawn-out selection process you have finally found him-the perfect candidate for the vacant position. A careful induction is important if you want to optimally integrate the new employee in the team, help him get acquainted with his duties, and to retain him in the company over the long term. The boss does not have time, nor do the other employees, and a mountain of work already awaits the new employee on his desk. This scenario is certain to frustrate the new employee on his first day. We have compiled valuable tips that help you induct new employees.

On his first day the new employee will still be unsure and not know exactly what awaits him. Thus, that morning greeting is an important tool that helps you steer him away from uncertainty. And the greeting is the boss' thing. Thefefore, be sure you make time for a conversation. Provide an overview of the company and give the new employee some insight into his future role. From the very beginning, you should convey a positive feeling and use the opportunity to plan the introduction phase. In this way, you ensure that the employee is in good hands and feels informed during his induction, thereby guaranteeing that he does not regret his decision to take the job.

What passwords are required? Which email contacts are important and where is the accounting department? Take the new employee with you on a tour through your offices and calmly share the most important information at the beginning of the induction.

Develop an induction plan to filter out the initial flood of information that swamps the employee. Structure the initial stressful period of introduction by planning the first two weeks of the introduction. Who in the team could take on this task? Who can pass on the required information? Ensure that the person tasked with inducting new employees also has the time required for the task. With a carefully planned introduction phase, the new employee will quickly become a valuable team member.

Being available is the most important service you can provide during a new employee's induction. The first few days give rise to a series of questions that the employee needs to have answered if you want him to be able to work independently in a short period of time.

Be open to short, unplanned conversations during the introduction period and plan fixed times for comprehensive feedback sessions. This gives you the ability to make suggestions for improvement and to express critical points. Use these conversations to reorganise the induction and to optimise the initial phase.

During the induction phase, you should help employees understand who is responsible for which roles in the team. Relationships between employees help when you need to determine who the contact person is for certain questions. Over time, a harmonious team emerges, and after the induction period new employees understand their role in a coherent context.