In the fast-paced world of sport and physical activity, it’s essential for new employees to hit the ground running in a new role. Consequently, the significance of a well-designed employee induction process cannot be overstated. Often referred to as onboarding, the employee induction journey sets the tone for an employee’s organisational experience. In this blog, we’ll look at the essentials of creating a bespoke induction and why the process is so vital to long-term success.
Induction serves as the gateway for new employees into the intricacies of an organisation, through a series of processes and activities. Beyond a mere welcome, it’s an investment in creating a positive, lasting impression that resonates with individuals, fostering a sense of being valued and respected. The process shouldn’t feel like merely a box-ticking exercise but allow new team members to integrate seamlessly into the fabric of the business.
Every organisation, large or small, should have a well-considered induction that provides a new employee with a positive experience of the organisation. As first impressions can only ever be created once, it’s essential that they hit the right note. The induction needs to encompass a personalised approach that’s tailored to the business’s unique needs and developed with an understanding of organisational culture and values.
In order to feel ‘bought in’, new recruits need to know more than what is expected of their role. They need to understand the organisation, the culture, and the people. An effective induction process provides benefits for both employers and employees. Employees will gain a deeper understanding of the organisation, their role and ways of working, as well as an opportunity to meet new colleagues, learn from them and feel secure in their role more quickly. At an organisational level, a well-designed induction increases employee engagement and job satisfaction which means lower levels and absenteeism and reduced staff turnover.
Inductions need to include practical elements, such as mandatory training, time and location of working arrangements and patterns of flexible working. The process also requires familiarisation with the business values, company culture and mission, as well as meeting key stakeholders, and integration into their own team. Elements usually included are:
It is important to continually evaluate the induction process to determine whether it is meeting the needs of both new employees and the organisation. Feedback from employees can be used to highlight areas that require improvement, and this can be combined with statistics relating to employee turnover, particularly from those who leave within the first twelve months of employment.
A bespoke induction process is not just a formality; it’s a strategic investment in the success and longevity of your team. Crafting a tailored onboarding experience is not only a reflection of a commitment to employee growth but also a driver of sustained organisational prosperity.
The advantages of a robust induction process extend beyond the initial welcoming phase. A great induction plan contributes to employees integrating quickly and feeling engaged with the perpetuation of company culture. It promotes increased staff retention and creates a culture of innovation. It’s an investment that pays dividends in the form of reduced turnover, improved productivity, and a positive impact to the growth of a business.
You can find out more about onboarding and retaining staff in the fitness industry through our episode of the Beyond the Talk series: From Recruitment to Retention: How to build a Strong Team of PTs, involving industry experts Paul Swainson (Education Project Specialist, Future Fit), Carl Richards (Operations Director, Future Fit Training), Gavin Baxter (Head of Business Development, Active IQ), and Richard Wilson (Head of Personal Training, Total Fitness).