Generating Instant Productivity

 

Jen Tidwell
Recruiter
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

 

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), it takes new hires, on average, 8 to 20 weeks to achieve full productivity. You can help pave the way to success in less time for new employees by creating a well-planned and well-executed induction process. This includes proper training and integration into the work environment during the first few weeks on the job. These two elements go a long way in helping employees achieve solid performance and job satisfaction.

 

What Makes a Good Induction Plan: A good plan starts by ensuring that employees are clear about their responsibilities and the reporting structure. It also includes individual or team coaching, job shadowing, and orientation classes. Information about the company's goals and objectives, the history of the organization, the culture and environment, safety procedures, customer service protocol, and slang, jargon, and acronyms unique to the company need to be incorporated.

 

A tour of the facility, including restrooms and emergency exits, in addition to important operational information such as work hours, benefits, dress code, lunch hour procedures, holidays observed, and a training schedule are also part of a solid plan. Employers should arrange for new hires to spend time with co-workers and meet with clientele, repeat customers, and external contacts. If your company holds mandatory meetings, it's a good idea to include a calendar with dates and times. Also, provide frequently used numbers and an office telephone directory.

 

What Encompasses a Positive Experience for New Hires: Prior to the first day of employment, you should provide information on parking arrangements, time clocks, and items that new hires must bring, such as an ID. You should also make sure that their office space is ready and clean and that computers are set up. Don't forget to give new hires telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, passwords, and fax numbers. Assign mentors or buddies so that they can ask questions freely from someone other than their supervisors.

 

What Can Be Done to Go the Extra Mile:
A nice gesture is to take new hires to lunch on their first day and provide a list of area restaurants and other points of interest. Remember that a good induction plan continues beyond the first week. Plan a follow-up conversation a month after the employee's start date to discuss progress, expectations, and goals and to offer support.

 

Taking time to organize a sound plan for new employees will create a smooth transition and improve the likelihood of great performance. Further, it can turn new hires into dedicated employees, thus reducing turnover costs.