What to learn during your induction training

To be successful at your job you need be clear about your role, the company, and the work environment you are now a part of. Starting a new job brings lots of uncertainties, and induction training, also known as ‘onboarding’, is designed to help you overcome many of these unknowns.

Here is what you need to learn during your induction training.

Induction training builds your understanding of the company

By the time you have completed your induction training you will know considerably more about the company you’re now working for. But there’s plenty you can do beforehand to maximise what you gain from the onboarding process.

You probably researched the company during the recruitment phase, but the business world doesn’t stand still for long, and it is worth continuing this research right up until the day you start your new job.

Search online for the latest insights into the company, its products or services, and any challenges it faces. Armed with this information, you are much better equipped to engage in business conversations when you meet new colleagues and your manager.

Compliance with formal policies and procedures

Your induction process will include an explanation of the company’s policies and procedures on matters such as workplace health and safety, reporting absences, requesting leave and the staff review process.

These policies form an important framework for your work environment. So if there is anything you don’t understand, be sure to ask for a further explanation. This way you can follow company policy from day one and avoid any incidents that could tarnish your reputation.

The company’s culture

As a new employee, you will be introduced to the company’s mission, goals and values. These will give you a strong sense of the company culture, and how staff are expected to contribute to the success of the business.

This is valuable information as it allows you to align your efforts and conduct to the company culture, and establish yourself as a highly valued employee and essential member of your team.

Your new colleagues and workplace environment

Social interaction and the ability to collaborate with colleagues plays a key role in the workplace. As a new recruit, it is likely you will have plenty of opportunities to ‘meet and greet’ new colleagues. This can be daunting especially in a large company, but try to appear relaxed and confident.

Take note of the workplace environment too. It may be formal or more casual, and this will be reflected in the attire of your new colleagues and the way that different hierarchies of employees address one another. By understanding the office protocol you’ll be able to fit in from an early stage.

The right way to approach your duties

Part of your induction training will involve a discussion of your regular duties and how your manager would like you to approach them. It is critical that you learn the right way of doing things from the outset. When you are more established in your role, you will have opportunities to demonstrate your productivity or suggest innovations to improve efficiency, but at this early stage, take your manager’s advice on board and don’t look for short cuts.

The first few days will give you greater insights into what it is really like to be part of the team, and how you can establish yourself as a skilled and talented professional. There’s a lot to take in as a new employee, however what you learn during the induction process can have a significant impact on your long-term success with the company, so make the most of your induction training.