Introducing a new employee

Benefits for the worker

• Sense of welcome: A good induction makes the new employee feel welcome and appreciated, reducing any nervousness.
• Faster start: The worker becomes comfortable in their role more quickly and can start contributing to the business sooner.
• Positive image of the workplace: Through a well thought-out induction, the new employee gets a positive image of the employer, the manager and the company culture.

Benefits for the manager and the employer

• Strengthening the employer brand: A good induction helps to cement a positive impression of the employer, both internally and externally.
• Promoting efficiency: Providing the right conditions for the employee from the start ensures that the investment in recruitment pays off quickly.
• Complying with rules: The employer fulfills its responsibility under the Work Environment Act and the Swedish Work Environment Authority's regulations on systematic work environment management (AFS 2001:1).
• Promotes group development: A clear induction helps the work team to integrate the new colleague faster, preventing the team dynamic from stalling.

What does the Swedish Work Environment Authority say about induction?

"Introduction

The employer should introduce the employee to work as early as possible. This applies in particular to workers who have no previous experience of working life. The introduction should give an idea of the employee's own tasks and the relationship with others, an insight into how the business works in general and what risks there are in the business. The induction should also describe the systematic work environment management, for example, who the employee should contact regarding the work environment.

Written instructions

It is important that there are written instructions for what to do in the event of breakdowns, malfunctions, incidents and accidents. Written instructions are often needed for repairs, maintenance and other services, as well as for difficult situations in work with clients and patients, for example. It is important that the instructions are available at the workplace and are easy to understand. It is also important that they are kept up to date and indicate when they are updated. Written instructions may need to be combined with verbal ones.

The employer should adapt the introduction and instructions to the employee's age, experience, familiarity with the task and working life, language skills, cultural background and any disability. The employer should also ensure that the instructions are understood correctly (AFS 2003:4)."

Checklist for induction

• Welcome gift or letter: A personalized gesture such as a flower or a welcome letter with, for example, a cinema ticket can create a positive start.
• Walking tour: Show around the workplace and introduce important people and areas.
• Clear induction plan: Decide whether the induction will take place in one day or over several days, and create a schedule that includes meetings with relevant people.
• Person responsible for the introduction: Clarify who is responsible for the induction and who the employee can turn to after the induction period.
• Structure of the working day: Describe what a typical working day looks like, including breaks and lunch.
• Job description: Go through the job description of the position and what the expectations are for performance and commitment.
• Policies and guidelines: Show where the staff handbook is located and go through important policies.
• Reconciliations with the manager: Inform about how often the worker and the manager should have meetings and how the leadership works.
• Needs for well-being: Ask the employee what they need to be happy and perform at their best.
• IT and tools: Review the systems and tools used, and how time reporting and payroll work.
• Evaluation of the introduction: Ask the new employee to evaluate the induction so that you can improve it for future employees.