Induction training is a great way to integrate your new starters to the culture of your organisation, here’s how to get it right.
Induction training is a crucial step in ensuring that new employees settle into their roles effectively and feel connected to the organisation from day one.
A well-structured induction programme not only boosts productivity but also significantly impacts employee retention.
In fact, studies show that organisations with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%.
This highlights the importance of investing in quality induction training to set new starters up for long-term success.
Related: Key onboarding statistics you need to know
Keep reading to learn:
- What induction training is
- How induction training benefits employees
- How induction training benefits your organisation
- How to improve your induction training
Let’s get started.
What is induction training
Induction training (also known as onboarding) is the process used to introduce new employees to an organisation, helping them integrate smoothly into their new roles.
Related: Onboarding process, all you need to know
The aim is to familiarise new starters with the company’s culture, policies, procedures, and expectations.
But most importantly, to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to perform their job effectively.
What is covered in induction training?
- Company orientation: Introduction to the organisation’s history, mission, vision, values, and structure.
- Workplace policies: Explanation of health and safety protocols, code of conduct, HR policies (e.g., attendance, leave policies).
- Job-specific training: Guidance on how to use specific tools, systems, or technologies required for the role.
- Introduction to team: Meet-and-greet sessions with colleagues, supervisors, and key team members.
- Administrative tasks: Completion of formalities such as signing contracts, setting up workstations, and configuring necessary accounts or devices.
The aim is to reduce any anxiety for new employees, clarify expectations, and foster a positive start to their journey with the organisation.
How does induction training benefit your new starters?
Induction training offers numerous benefits for both new employees and the organisation as a whole.
By providing a comprehensive introduction to the company and their role, new starters can quickly adapt, feel supported, and become productive members of the team.
A well-structured induction programme can improve employee retention and overall job satisfaction, making it a vital investment for long-term success.
Here are some other key benefits for your employees:
Related: Key benefits of onboarding
Smooth transition
Induction training helps new employees adjust to the company’s environment and culture, making the transition much smoother.
Clear expectations
It ensures that new starters understand their responsibilities, job role, and what is expected of them, reducing uncertainty and confusion.
Increased confidence
By providing the necessary knowledge and skills, induction training boosts the confidence of new employees, enabling them to perform their tasks more effectively.
Familiarisation with company policies
New employees become aware of important policies and procedures, including health and safety, which helps prevent any misunderstandings or mistakes early on.
Building relationships
Induction introduces new starters to their colleagues and teams, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging early relationship building within the organisation.
Boosted productivity
Properly structured induction training enables new employees to become productive faster, as they are well-equipped to handle their roles with a solid foundation of knowledge and support.
Overall, induction training lays the groundwork for long-term success and job satisfaction, creating a positive first impression of the organisation for new starters.
How does induction training benefit your organisation?
We’ve covered the benefits for your employees. Now, let’s go through some key benefits of induction training for your organisation.
Improved employee retention
Induction training helps new employees feel welcomed and supported, reducing the likelihood of early turnover.
When employees feel valued from the start, they are more likely to stay with the organisation long-term, saving on recruitment and training costs.
Enhanced productivity
By equipping new starters with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need from day one, induction training enables them to contribute to the organisation more quickly.
This results in a shorter learning curve and faster productivity gains.
Consistency in company culture
Induction training reinforces the organisation’s values, mission, and culture.
It ensures that all employees, regardless of their role, align with the company’s ethos, helping to maintain a consistent organisational culture.
Reduced mistakes
When new employees are made aware of key policies, procedures, and regulations, including health and safety protocols, this reduces the likelihood of costly mistakes or accidents.
Proper training ensures that employees follow best practices from the start.
Better employee engagement
An effective induction programme helps new employees feel part of the team and builds engagement from the outset.
Engaged employees are more motivated, contribute positively to the workplace, and are more likely to go the extra mile.
Stronger team dynamics
Induction training facilitates early introductions between new starters and their colleagues, encouraging collaboration and communication.
This helps foster strong working relationships and a cohesive team environment.
Overall, induction training supports your long-term success by ensuring that new employees are well-prepared, engaged, and aligned with company goals from the beginning.
How to improve your induction training
Improving your induction training is key to ensuring new employees have a positive and productive start.
By refining your approach, you can make the process more engaging, personalised, and effective, helping new starters settle in quickly and confidently.
Here are a few strategies to enhance your induction training programme and maximise its impact.
Related: 27 easy ways to onboard your new employees
Personalise the experience
Tailor the induction programme to individual roles and departments.
This ensures that each new starter receives relevant information and training specific to their job, making the experience more meaningful and effective.
Use a structured approach
Create a clear and organised induction plan that covers all essential areas, such as company culture, job responsibilities, and policies.
A structured approach ensures that no critical information is missed, and new employees feel confident in their role.
Incorporate technology
Utilise digital tools such as online training platforms, interactive videos, and e-learning modules to make the induction process more engaging.
Technology can streamline the process, making it easier for new starters to access information and complete tasks at their own pace.
Assign mentors or buddies
Pair new employees with experienced colleagues who can act as mentors or “buddies”.
This support system helps new starters feel more comfortable, provides guidance, and allows for informal learning about the company culture and practices.
Provide regular feedback
Encourage two-way communication by seeking feedback from new starters on the induction process and providing feedback on their progress.
This helps identify any areas for improvement and ensures that the induction is meeting their needs.
Involve senior leadership
Having senior leaders or managers participate in the induction process shows new employees that the organisation values them.
It also helps communicate the company’s vision, goals, and strategic direction directly from leadership.
Focus on cultural integration
Include activities that help new starters understand the company’s values and culture.
Encouraging early social interactions with colleagues and team members helps foster a sense of belonging and creates stronger connections.
Break it down into manageable sessions
Instead of overwhelming new employees with all the information at once, break the induction programme into manageable sessions spread over the first few weeks.
This allows new starters to absorb information more effectively and reduces the chances of them feeling overwhelmed.
By implementing these strategies, organisations can make their induction training more effective, engaging, and beneficial for both new employees and the company.
Build the right LMS for the job
Building the right Learning Management System (LMS) is essential for delivering effective and engaging induction training.
Related: Onboarding software you need to try
A well-designed LMS not only streamlines the onboarding process but also ensures that new starters receive the support and resources they need to succeed in their roles.
Choose a system that is flexible, scalable, and can be tailored to your organisation’s unique needs.
Totara LMS stands out as a highly customisable platform, allowing you to design an induction programme that aligns with their specific culture, processes, and objectives.
Related: 9 onboarding best practices
Totara enables you to:
- create personalised learning pathways
- integrate role-specific content
- and adapt training modules to suit various departments and teams.
Whether it’s through automating the onboarding journey, providing continuous learning opportunities, or offering interactive, engaging content, Totara empowers organisations to deliver a truly effective induction experience.
See more about our Edition of a Totara LMS, or book a demo directly here.
FAQs
What are the 3 types of induction training?
When you’re inducting new employees, they will go through:
Pre-induction: Pre-induction, and pre-boarding, occurs before the employees starts their new role.
Induction: This is the actual transition into the work place, usually done on the first day, or in the first week.
Post-induction: This period is where the employee adjusts to the role, once they’ve completed their core onboarding process.
What does a typical induction training programme include?
It usually covers:
Social intro: team introductions, buddy/mentor assignment
Company overview: history, mission, values, organisational structure
Policies & compliance: HR, health & safety, code of conduct, mandatory training
Role-specific instruction: tools, workflows, KPIs, reporting lines
Practical setup: IT access, facilities tour, administrative formalities