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Published 5 December 2023 | 2 min read
According to ELMO, a leading provider of HR and payroll software in New Zealand, effective employee induction is crucial for retaining new hires. In fact, a survey conducted by ELMO found that nearly 60% of employees who had a poor induction experience ended up leaving the company within the first year. On the other hand, employees who had a positive induction experience were much more likely to stay with the company for the long term.
One personal story that exemplifies the importance of a good induction process is that of Sarah, who started a new job at a small marketing firm in Auckland. On her first day, she was given a pile of paperwork to fill out and was left to her own devices to figure out where she was supposed to work and what she was supposed to do. Despite her enthusiasm and eagerness to impress, Sarah struggled to feel like she belonged and ended up quitting after just three weeks on the job.
To avoid situations like Sarah's, New Zealand employers should follow these steps to induct new employees in 2023:
1. Start the induction process before the employee's first day
Send out information about the company, the role, and any necessary paperwork in advance. This can help the new employee feel more prepared and excited to start their new job.
2. Set clear expectations
Make sure the new employee understands their role and responsibilities, as well as any performance expectations or goals. This can be done through a job description or during the onboarding process.
3. Introduce the company culture:
New employees should understand the company's values, mission, and culture. This can be done through company-wide meetings, presentations, or even just informal conversations with team members.
4. Tour the workplace
Show the new employee around the office, including where they will be working, the break room, restrooms, and any other important locations.
5. Provide necessary equipment and materials
Make sure the new employee has everything they need to do their job, including a computer, phone, desk, and any relevant tools or resources.
6. Assign a mentor or buddy
Pairing the new employee with a more experienced colleague can be a great way to provide support and guidance as they get up to speed.
7. Set up training
Depending on the complexity of the job, it may be necessary to provide training on specific tasks or software. Make sure the new employee has the opportunity to learn and ask questions.
8. Make introductions
Introduce the new employee to their colleagues, as well as any relevant clients or vendors. This can help them feel more connected to the team and better understand their role within the company.
By following these steps, New Zealand employers can ensure that their new hires have a positive induction experience, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and retention. So, it is very important for an employer to induct a new employee in the right way.