Using Your Onboarding Process to Improve Company Culture
It might sound a little strange, but I love the setting up the onboarding process for new employees. Now I can already hear you thinking I’m a little strange, but to me the onboarding of a new employee is the most important part of ensuring they are set up for company culture success.
Think back to your first day either with your current or previous employers. When you arrived, was your desk ready, did you have access to your building, did they spend the time to introduce you to key team members? First impressions count for both employees and employers, so it’s important that you get things right for your new employees first week to help them settle in.
- Create an Induction Pack
Even before the employee sets foot through your door on the first day, why not set them up for success by creating an Induction Pack that contains all the important documents they to complete such as;
- Letter of offer & employee contract
- Position description
- Tax File Declaration Form
- Superannuation Nomination Form
- Personal Details and Banking Information Form
- Fair Work Information Statement
I like to have this all sent out to new employees once they have accepted their offer along with a return addressed express envelope. This way their employee file is already established and banking details set up all before they arrive for their first day.
- Create a Welcoming Environment
In a previous role, I turned up on my first day ready and eager to get going in my new role. Unfortunately, no desk had been set aside for me, nor did I have a computer, security access or an active email address. It was not a great first impression, and one that left me unproductive for the first week.
Once your new employee’s start date has been determined, create an orientation plan outlining the particular content that will be covered within the induction process. For example: a document that sets out a timetable for their inductions with site safety or HR, meetings and the opportunity to meet staff.
You should also consider:
- access to the office building and any security passes they may require
- ensuring email accounts are set up and any technology requirements are ordered
- providing key stationery pieces in their workspace
- send around an email to the business alerting them to your new employee and their start date. Friendly faces are always great in an unfamiliar environment!
- A new Employee’s First Day
Make sure you use your employees first day to set them up for success. By having a robust induction process, you will create the solid foundations whereby your business can promote a strong company culture and values, increase your employee retention and increase employee engagement from day one.
The team at TalentCode HR are experts when it comes to company culture, and the building of a solid onboarding process for your company. Why not give us a call today on 1300 559 585 to discuss your culture issues and how we get you back on the right track!
