What is Induction Training?

What is Induction Training and Why is it Important?

When starting at a new company, it’s easy for fresh hires to feel like a fish out of water. You barely know where to park and the names of the people you met during the interview process, let alone the inner workings of the company. Everything from your internal team messaging app to the chain of command within each department is a piece of the puzzle waiting to be put in place. 

Even more than that, new hires can feel like an outsider when it comes to the mission of the company. Likely, they have a good idea of the company’s values, as this is typically a large part of interview conversations. But this mission translates to the everyday practices of a business. So, how do help your new employees get a more complete picture of your company? The answer: induction training. 

What is Induction Training?

Induction training is an approach to onboarding that introduces the employee to both their new role and to your company at the same time. Induction training is a more holistic training method that gives the new hire an in-depth look at their new role alongside the big-picture view of the company. This helps them begin to piece together that confusing, overwhelming puzzle. Induction training can take anywhere from a few days to several months and can be utilized 

Benefits of Induction Training

Although induction training might seem like a huge undertaking, there are many benefits to this approach, for you, your new employee, and your company. 

Induction Training Builds a United Workplace Culture.

When each of your new employees is briefed on company culture, they know right off the bat what kind of community their coworkers and supervisors are striving to build. This lets them know how casual or formal the atmosphere is, whether their coworkers will appreciate drop-in office visits, and when to speak up in meetings, for instance. If your company emphasizes the importance of openness around mental health, new hires will know it’s good to reach out for help. By showing new hires who you are, you show them ways to integrate into your company’s culture and feel more at home. 

It Establishes Well-Prepared Employees.

The first few weeks a person spends in a new office are occupied with asking questions. By educating them about their main contacts within each department as well as the chain of command, you’ll help them know when to ask certain questions to whom. Induction training also gives new hires a general knowledge of the company, which not only answers many of the basic questions they’ll have but also helps them to be better problem solvers and find the answers they’re looking for. 

Induction Training Improves Employee Morale.

With so much employee turnover in recent months and years, it’s become apparent just how much employee morale matters. Induction training gives new employees a sense of inclusion and of a bigger purpose. It keeps employees from feeling isolated and underequipped. When members of your team lose a sense of purpose, morale tanks, and they begin to question whether their role actually holds meaning and importance. Being part of a community helps your new team members feel encouraged, supported, and purposeful. 

What Are Some Examples of Induction Training?

Induction training is a broad concept, but there are many ways to be successful with this approach. Here are examples of what a company might integrate into its induction training program:

A Brand History Video. 

Brand history videos are an easy way to give your new hires a feel for your brand. Videos combine a specific aesthetic and messaging to give a snapshot of your company. Good brand videos will give a brief history of the company, its founding, its mission, its corporate responsibility, and its featured products or services. 

Meetings with Coworkers.

It’s important to give new hires a solid introduction to the people they’ll be working with, rather than a quick ‘hello’ and name exchange. One way to do this is to have meetings with multiple people from different teams or departments. If the meetings include too many people, though, your new employee might feel overwhelmed. Keeping meetings short and casual is often the best approach. 

Office and Building Tour.

By orienting new hires into the office, they’ll get a sense of confidence in their surroundings. A tour can also be an effective way for them to meet their coworkers. Not only will introductions stay short and sweet, but the new hire will have a better context for how each team member fits into the team. Plus, they’ll know where to find people when they need to chat later on and won’t have to wander the office feeling lost. 

How to Welcome New Hires

When you make new hires feel welcome, induction training can feel a lot less overwhelming. Read this article about “How to Inspire New Employees” for tips on helping new hires get excited about their new position. Custom corporate gifts also show how excited you are that they’re joining your team. Check out the Welcome Aboard MerchBox, a custom company gift box with the high-quality logo-branded gifting basics you need to welcome them onboard! Or, create your own custom MerchBox with any corporate apparel or gifts you choose!

Contact Us at Merchology!

Need company gifts for your induction training program? For quality custom gifts for new hires, contact a Merchologist today! They’re here to help answer any questions about MerchBoxes, corporate apparel, logo-branded gifts, and more!