Benefits of proper staff induction

Having an official staff induction process and inducting all new staff properly will ensure:

• they feel welcome and comfortable
• they're clear about what's expected of them
• existing staff understand the new staff member's role
• they've been set up with enough information to start working

Creating an induction pack

Create an induction pack to give to new employees during the recruitment process or on their first day. The induction pack should give them a better understanding of the business and any other information they might need at hand.

Depending on what's relevant to your business, your induction pack might include:

• a current organisational chart listing the current roles and employees' names
• a copy of your HR manual
• the employee's job description
• marketing materials such as brochures
• a staff contact list
• a safety induction, including evacuation procedures
• security access information

Create your HR policy manual

If you don't have an HR manual for your staff, you can get started with the following template:

Probationary period for new employees

A probationary period is usually for the first 3 months of a new job, depending on the role. It's designed to give both you and the new employee the chance to discuss if they're suited to the role.

During probation:

• the employee can assess if the job meets their expectations
• the employer will gain an understanding of the new employee's skills, knowledge and attitude

You should hold formal reviews with the new employee at the end of the first, second and third month of the probationary period. This helps to keep the communication flowing so you can address any concerns, training or accountability issues, as well as provide clarity on priorities.

Our guides can help you hold probationary reviews with your employees at the end of the first and third months: