So, you’ve taken the plunge and hired a new employee.
Congrats! Now comes the fun part – getting them up to speed and feeling like part of the team.
Let’s chat about inductions and why they’re so crucial for your business culture.
First off, what’s an induction?
It’s basically a welcome party for your new employee (minus the actual party, though that’s not a bad idea!). It’s your chance to show them the ropes, make them feel at home, and give them all the info they need to become a superstar in your business.
Why bother with a proper induction?
Well, here’s the thing – a good induction isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about setting the tone for your company culture right from day one. Think about it: eight out of ten people who leave a job are newbies. Ouch! A solid induction can help keep your new talent from heading for the hills.
So, how do you nail the induction process?
Well we believe it starts from the day they accept the offer. What can you do to wow them and be excited to join your team?
At Pink Pig this includes a little welcome pack – a company notebook and some Percy Pigs sent out on acceptance of the offer, with more bits ready for their first day, including some of our favourite books, and our very own CEO’s Achievement Journal to record all the achievements they have in their new role.
Their first day, and week, needs to focus on settling in and setting the tone for their new role.
- Meet and greet: Introduce your new hire to the team. If you’ve only got a couple of employees, this should be a breeze. Make it fun and relaxed – maybe over a cuppa? As a remote team at Pink Pig we either schedule a Google Meet call with a cuppa, or if the new hire is local we’ll organise a welcome lunch.
- Tour time: Show them around your space, even if it’s just a small office or shop. Where’s the loo? Where can they grab a coffee? Little things make a big difference.
- Safety first: Yeah, health and safety stuff might seem boring, but it’s important. Keep it light, but make sure they know the essentials.
- Paperwork party: Get the boring bits out of the way early. Contracts, bank details, all that jazz.
- Policies, but make it fun: Instead of a dusty old handbook, why not create a fun, easy-to-read guide to your business? Include your values, dress code (if you have one), and any other important bits.
- Role chat: Sit down with your new starter and chat about what they’ll be doing. How does their role fit into your big picture? This is your chance to get them excited about being part of your business.
- Training check: Figure out if they need any extra training. Remember, investing in their skills is investing in your business.
- Check-in chat: Set a date for a catch-up in a few weeks. It shows you care about how they’re settling in.
The secret sauce? Make it personal!
Your business has its own unique vibe, right? Use the induction to show that off. Are you all about innovation? Creativity? Top-notch customer service? Whatever makes your business special, weave it into your induction process.
Remember, a great induction isn’t just about forms and fire exits.
It’s your chance to make your new hire feel valued, show off your company culture, and set them up for success.
Get it right, and you’ll have a happy, productive team member who’s in it for the long haul.
So, there you have it – inductions made easy(ish). Got any cool ideas for welcoming new team members? Share them with your fellow small business owners. After all, we’re all in this together!
And if you need some help with getting your new employee all set up let’s chat – book a call with us here.
