Welcome aboard

Ever had that sinking feeling that things aren’t right when you
start a new job? If you have, you’re not alone. CIPD research has
shown one in five staff leaves a job within six months of starting.

Good induction programmes can help overcome this problem. They give
employers the chance to highlight what they expect from staff and
employees the opportunity to raise any questions.

Every organisation should have a decent induction programme.
Designing an appropriate and cost-effective one is a complex task
as it should provide all the information that new employees need
without being overwhelming.

If, as a new member of staff you feel you require more from your
induction, discuss with your manager why or what you hope to get
from it.

It is important for employers to be proactive so as to make sure
recruits are gaining what they need.

Roseland Care Home ensures all staff are given a thorough induction
so employees know exactly what is expected of them and the
standards they are expected to fulfil.

Joy Floyd-Norris, Roseland care matron, says: “A good induction
helps ensure that high standards are instilled at the beginning.
The skills and attitudes we require can only be learned effectively
on the job. We ensure new members of staff are assigned another
experienced carer, who will act as mentor throughout the induction
period, demonstrating and offering guidance on various tasks
involved in the role.”

If an organisation fails to provide an effective induction both
parties lose out, new employees get off to a bad start and often
never really understand the organisation or their role in it.

That is why it is so important to employers and employees that a
proper training and induction programme is implemented.

Martyn Sloman is training, learning and development
adviser, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development