Introduction to Induction
Induction, the process of orienting new staff to their workplace and role, is crucial for fostering a positive start. The University's success hinges on recruiting and retaining exceptional individuals across all levels. Effective induction can significantly impact employee retention and satisfaction.
Benefits of Effective Induction
Effective induction achieves several objectives:
- Welcoming new employees and aiding their successful integration into their roles.
- Facilitating learning and job performance.
- Clarifying performance expectations.
- Transitioning into a successful probation process.
Understanding the Working Environment and Culture
Providing context about the working environment and culture is essential for new staff members to comprehend their roles fully. Each unit, department, or faculty at Oxford operates with its unique structures, procedures, and cultural norms. Line managers play a pivotal role in conveying this information, covering practical aspects such as departmental facilities, communication methods, and behavioural norms.
Clarifying Post Requirements
New staff members must grasp the expectations of their roles to navigate successfully through probation. Line managers, often assisted by previous post-holders, guide new employees in understanding role requirements. This involves practical demonstrations, supervised tasks, attendance at relevant courses, and ongoing support to assess learning needs. There is specific guidance on induction for research staff (see the Research Staff Code of Practice), and Departmental Administrators (and equivalent roles).
Expectations by the End of Induction
By the end of the initial induction period, new staff members should:
- Understand their role's function and expectations.
- Be familiar with key departmental personnel and facilities.
- Identify their training and development needs.
- Recognise the link between induction, probation, and Performance and Development Review (PDR) processes.
