It can be quite daunting for a new employee coming into a workplace, however, ensuring they go through a proper induction programme can help them settle in and feel supported. It is hard to teach someone everything they need to know and get them fully up to speed within three days; in fact, in most cases, it is near enough impossible. So, putting a thorough induction process in place is key, not just for the development of the employee, but also for the practice.
We’ve listed a few pointers that will help you out when taking on new staff members…
Getting your ‘induction’ programme right
First, let’s go right to the very start. If you call it an ‘induction’ then people will see it as a two or three-day on the job training session, or, in some cases, even less. Referring to it as an ‘induction programme’ makes it sound like a longer process and will automatically make the new employee feel more supported.
It will also make you feel like you’ve got more control over those first few months of employment. You’ll be satisfied that the person is competent and feeling comfortable with what they’ve read and what they’ve been shown. So, put time and effort into creating an induction programme and make sure you’ve got time to commit to supporting that person, because you will both reap the rewards.
And that brings us nicely on to one of the main parts of the induction programme process, and that is putting a pack together. People often say, what pack shall I use? What should it look like? However, there is no one size fits all when it comes to this because it needs to be unique to your business and one that works for you. If you are a BDA member then they have a lot of resources available, including ideas and pointers on what you feel will work in a pack for your practice.
Including all the simple things
Although your full process and pack should be tailored to your own practice, there are a few key things that you need to go through early on in the programme. One of the first and most vital things to do is explain all the health and safety procedures, and simply just make sure the employee knows where everything is, is familiar with the building, and all the procedures and policies they need to adhere to.
The policies and procedures side of the induction will come in the pack; it’s important the new person is given time to study and learn it, and that goes for a lot of the other information because there is a lot for them to take on board. A new role, with so much coming at you, can be daunting, so make them feel supported and give them the time they need to take everything in. Other things to add to your check list, such as what is expected of the employee, where things are and how to get certain things, are all simple points but some of them can sometimes be missed if you don’t put time into putting a thorough programme together.
A good pace
One thing that can make it quite difficult for new employees, especially if they haven’t worked in a practice setting before, is when things are presented in a confusing way. So, go at a pace that allows the employee to take the information in making everything you’re showing them crystal clear, so there is no confusion; confusion just serves to lengthen the programme and certainly won’t allow them to perform at their best.
Resources available
Many of you reading this will be BDA members and, like I’ve explained, they have a lot of beneficial material that will help when putting together guidance and packs. Another good place to go for induction tips are HR companies. They can give you useful guidance on creating an induction pack. Also, if you know any other business owners, even outside of dentistry, then get in contact with them to see how they put their inductions together and see if you can use any of their tips.