Young Wrexham

Induction

Most people who start a new job go through a process called induction. Induction means providing a new employee with the information and facts to help them settle into their new job role and to understand how the company is organised and operates including any rules and regulations.

The induction process

• Induction may not be a very formal process
• In many organisations it will be carried out informally by the new starter's manager or supervisor on a day-to-day basis
• Induction often begins before the person has actually started work, in that the organisation will supply material as part of an initial 'information pack', or with the invitation to interview, or with the letter of job offer
• When the employee starts work most induction will consist of meeting and talking with new colleagues, watching activities and asking questions
• Induction is also an opportunity to look at any training needs you might have
• If a group of new employees is recruited at the same time, they may attend group induction sessions on the common topics to be covered - this may include discussion, videos and slide presentations
• You may be given certain information in written form such as a company handbook, covering important aspects of the company organisation and how it functions

Who is responsible for the induction process?

There may be several people involved in the planning and delivery of the induction programme.

In a small company it may be the personnel officer, the manager or supervisor.

Many companies also use a 'buddy' system, where an experienced worker has responsibility to assist the new recruit in all the day-to-day questions that may arise such as canteen facilities, introducing other co-workers, explaining the layout of the building, etc in an informal way as they occur.

A larger organisation may call on the abilities and skills of many people. These could include:

• The personnel or human resource manager. Their likely involvement would be to go over the terms and conditions, complete any necessary paperwork, and perhaps give an overview of the company organisation
• The health and safety officer, particularly if there is a need for specific safety procedures or protective clothing, etc. This person assists an employer in applying the provisions of health and safety law
• The training officer who will outline any training programmes in place
• The line or department manager. This person will normally provide the more local welcome to the organisation, explaining where that particular department or section fits with the whole, and providing the first round of introductions to the department
• The supervisor, who will have the greatest responsibility and interest in getting the new starter settled in and effective as soon as possible. The supervisor usually has responsibility to check what has been covered, what needs to be done, and any particular points that may need further explanation
• The trade union or employee representative, and safety representative, to explain their role