Induction Ideas

Posted by Jane Crockett on November 25, 2014 at 2:02pm in Learning Design

We are reviewing induction in my organisation.

We have a number of sites across the UK and a growing number of homeworkers.

Does anyone have any interesting/creative ways that they induct people?

Or have you seen any interesting articles/research on induction?

Any suggestions would be welcomed.

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Replies

Mary Lindsey December 20, 2014 at 1:47am

Hi Jane,

I do agree with Mike Collins on the use of interaction and blended learning during induction.

Have you given any thought to the use of video conferencing during induction to allow delivery simultaneously? The delivery of the induction material will be consistent and completed in a timely manner (may save travel costs) and may help guide the design and delivery of blended learning opportunities across different geographical locations.

This question comes to mind though: How would you engage both groups with teamwork and icebreaker exercises across two different locations?

Good luck in this endeavour.
Tracey Horan December 17, 2014 at 7:55am

At present, UK staff are inducted at head office, and non-UK staff are inducted locally.

We are looking at investing in an induction module on our current HR system which will allow new starters to engage with us prior to start. We are also considering recording inductions from certain areas of the business which could be shared easily.

We don't send out lots of printed info prior to start, we do give hand outs on the first day.

I think there was an interesting CIPD podcast about staff inductions too.
Mike Collins December 8, 2014 at 3:58pm

Have you thought about using interactive PDF's Jane - something like this (as an example only) http://ebooks.dpgplc.co.uk/lookbeforeyoubook14/

Makes documents come to life a little and in some software you can embed videos and have hyperlinks that link to other things

Maybe an idea to look at....
- Tracey Horan > Mike Collins December 17, 2014 at 7:57am
  
  Hi Mike
  
  I like the interactive PDF, how would I go about looking into that (cost, software etc)?
  
  Thanks, Tracey
  - Mike Collins > Tracey Horan December 17, 2014 at 9:27am
    
    Hi Tracey :)
    
    The example I've shown doesn't make the use of the software to it's fullest but here are a couple of links to software
    
    Flip PDF Professional - approx £200 for a licence to download software
    
    Page Tiger- different prices and seems to be cloud based
    - Tracey Horan > Mike Collins December 17, 2014 at 1:14pm
      
      Thank you
Jane Crockett December 8, 2014 at 3:41pm

Jason and Debbie - many thanks for your comments. On-line definitely seems a sensible way to go - especially when information changes so quickly.

Am now looking at Welcome Packs - what to include, what to leave out - how to make them exciting!
Jason Fox December 3, 2014 at 10:53am

We are thinking of /working towards an online induction process which allows new starts to access policies, procedures, company info, etc, etc prior to starting and receiving their face to face induction. Right now we send out virtually a tree full of documents by post which is obviously not cost effective , wasteful and not entirely environmentally friendly ;-)

Our aspirations are to set the scene, culture and tone of the organisation and have this continuity flow through their induction period which then links into their training records and gives us a chance to audit how/when new start documentation is completed (one of the big headaches, chasing forms and compliance). Its a big wishlist, but every journey has a beginning...fingers crossed.
Mike Collins December 1, 2014 at 11:31am

Hi Jane,

Thanks for posting and sounds like an interesting review

Here are some conversations and resources on the subject that you may find userful

Induction Checklist

Re-thinking staff inductions

Blending Learning - might prompt some ideas

Hope these are useful in some way

Mike
Debbie Jane Firth November 25, 2014 at 4:19pm

Hi Jane,

We are also reviewing our Induction Plans in the company. To make sure the onboarding process is the same for office based staff and home working staff, we are creating an induction pack to suit all.

The inductions conducted in-house, will incorporate time with the CEO, relevant project managers and also relevant team leaders. These sessions will be stipulated to cover specific areas of their team/department, to give the new staff member a perspective of what they do.

The initial induction any new staff member goes through with us is the Health and Safety Induction, followed by the HR induction. Following on from that, there will be the other inductions which as HR I would plan.

I am identifying a document for all those who are involved in providing inductions, which will cover who is responsible from each team but will also cover who is responsible in the absence of the main provider.

In terms of those working from home, all the same inductions would be conducted however will be webinar or at the same time as the in-house inductions but with either a Skype facility or something of that kind to be able to link those at home.

If I find anything useful in my research I will send it on to you.

Debbie