Why onboarding is important

Our Learning and Development Manager explains why training should have a prominent place

Businessmen having discussion

Training is one aspect of the business that is often overlooked but shouldn’t be. A key factor of this includes the onboarding process, the route of a new starter as they join the business for the first time and learn the ropes about how they can be a success in their new role. This is especially true for a sales representative, as each new hire represents business growth and increased profit, so it is important that they are integrated into the company quickly so that they can reach their top performance levels speedily.

A BambooHR survey shows that 76% of job seekers agreed that on the job training is the most important component to settling into a new position quickly, and begin contributing to business aims. The survey highlighted that new starters want a clear review of company policies, a tour, equipment setup and even to be assigned a mentor. At Total Assist Group, we make sure that we provide all this and more to really get our recruitment consultants ready for the off as soon as they hit the sales floor.

How to onboard a new starter successfully

1) Have a well planned first day programme. This is really important for setting the business scene and giving your newbie all the information they need about working within the company. This will include discussing the company visions, future plans and current management structures as well as pointing out big personalities and key contacts. It is also a good idea to lay down an individual plan for your new employee for the course of the next three months, to help keep track of their progress. If employees want to get a feel for the culture and a sense of if they would fit with the working environment, we even offer taster days for all new employees, to create a greater understanding of the job role and company before the official start date.

2) Long and structured onboarding plan. Research has shown that it can take new sales representatives around eight months to one year to begin to pull in as much as their colleagues, however the better and more succinct the onboarding process, the shorter this length of time is. At Total Assist Group we have a very detailed onboarding process which starts with a useful induction meeting with one of our trainers, who actively talk through every aspect of the business and how it will relate to the new hires specifically. We also have regular check in meetings, making sure that new starters receive all the training they feel they need and more, as well as monthly review meetings.

coaching image

3) Testing and coaching phase. Particularly important for the recruitment consultants, we do offer coaching and training for every level of employee on a wide selection of topics. New starters can obviously get involved with this. At Total Assist Group, we run an intense nine week training academy for young people looking for a career in recruitment, so the onboarding process for them has a lot more testing and follow up coaching. In their teaching we include role plays, practical work and written exams, with a mix of teaching styles that reach from the classroom to the sales floor. This testing is useful to identify strengths and weaknesses, so that personalised coaching plans can be compiled.

4) Start with some quick wins. Studies have shown that employees who get a few quick wins under their belt tend to progress better within an organisation. It can be an idea to start a new hire with a simpler or easier task to help build up confidence and ensure they are ready to get their teeth stuck in to some of the larger projects or client relationships. It will also help them to settle into a working routine with their new colleagues and team.

What influences success in a new job?

  • New boss. It’s a good idea to have an open discussion so that you understand what your manager expects your role to achieve, that way, you are both singing from the same hymn sheet. It would also be worth comparing notes on your working styles to see if you do things similarly or different, and whether your boss has a preference
  • New team. Fitting in with the culture and the people around you can really impact on your productivity. Being able to work well together is vital so you need to analyse whether your communication styles match up or not, and again, whether your working styles are complimentary
  • New environment. It might not be what you are used to, but you will need to get used to it. You may need to make some tweaks and adjustments to your area to ensure you are productive

[testimonial name=”Sue Murfet” who=”Learning and Development Manager” imagelinks=”https://totalassist.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Sue-Murfet-e1404484076393.jpg” vertical=”no”]”I have overall responsibility for the learning and development strategy at Total Assist Group. I am a qualified assessor and internal verifier with 20 years experience in learning and development departments training adults. I can help fast track your career as a recruitment consultant.”[/testimonial]

 

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