By Matylda Rabczenko
Guest Writer, Warwick Business School
Last week we discussed the potential damage that induction crisis can cause to your company, which ultimately results in high turnover.
A well thought-out integration process, when applied right from the start, can be the difference between the successful placement of medium- to long-term employees, and wasting a great deal of resources on a failed hire.
Now that you are aware of the key reasons for induction crisis, it is time to point to some tips and solutions!
Don’t wait! Induct promptly!
Induction is most effective if conducted right as the employees join the company; if it is done a couple of weeks after the new employees have began work, it is a waste of time
Train your line managers!
The success of your induction is largely dependent on your line managers, who come into direct contact with the new employees most often. Notably, employees’ job satisfaction is correlated to their relationship with their managers.
Be honest and expect honesty!
As mentioned earlier, induction is a great moment to exchange views on expectations between you and the new recruits. Tell them about the way things really are in order to avoid future confusion.
Show off the company culture!
This is a great opportunity to talk about your company values and how they are applied in day-to-day activities – especially important for all types of firms.
Assign a buddy!
Make the transition period easier for your new employees by assigning them a ‘buddy’, a current employee, who they can turn to with any questions or concerns.
Monitor!
If you own a larger company, it is worth using a stability index to measure employee turnover on a constant basis. A stability index in particular allows you to identify the presence and scale of your induction crisis.
Re-assess your recruitment and selection processes!
Whilst seeking improvements in your inductions, do not turn a blind eye to failures within your recruitment and selection processes – even a great induction will not be able to make up for these.
It is easy to forget that the employment contract is indeterminate – an employee cannot give you tangible labor, he/she only offers the potential to perform labor. Although assessments and interviews supply you with a solid depiction of the extent of this employee potential, whether or not it will be utilized is up to you, the employer.
Similarly to how first impressions shape long-term opinions, inductions can play a fundamental role in shaping long-term employee-employer relations. So if you want to make the most of your employees’ potential, provide them with the first impression that will make them want to deliver.
About the Author: pickjohn9@gmail.com
