The year 2020 is a whole new story. Starting from CoVID-19 in early December 2019, to hundreds of cyberattacks, this year has turned the world upside down. As the Christmas and New Year is approaching, many businesses will consider hiring more people to cover up the busiest days. As a new employee, there are a few things that you should know when starting off at the workplace.
Induction
Inductions act as an ice breaker and will make the new employee feel welcome. They should be started in a positive way so that the impression lasts throughout their employment period as it is said “the first impression leads to the last impression”. Inductions usually cover the following:
- Orientation related to your role covering the person you need to report when asking for sick leaves etc.;
- Tour of the office to help them locate the facilities and amenities such as emergency exit, toilets, first aid rooms etc.;
- Introducing to the staff, managers etc.;
- The emergency evacuation plan and its explanation;
- Show the Work Health and Safety plans, how to report an incident including introducing to the first aid officers;
- Assigning or introducing to the supervisor or colleague who can help you with your tasks or who you can approach when in doubt;
- Supplying you with a copy of workplace rules and regulations, privacy policy, emergency contact lists, employment terms and conditions etc.;
- Familiarize with your workplace or desk;
- Training on any special IT features.
Paperwork
As a starter, you will receive lots of paperwork. Getting all the paperwork done out of the way is a good starting point. There are some companies which offer paperless onboarding by sending the newbie email forms or PDF form which they have to fill and return them through email.
Conducting tests and checks
Most of the employers conduct several kinds of tests and checks to protect their company from theft, fraud or anything such. Don’t be overwhelmed if your organization asks for one. Pre-employment screening tests are common when the company wants to check if the employee has any criminal history records. They may also ask to provide a copy of the most recent police check or background check.
Documents such as passport, driver’s license or bank statements are also collected as proof that the new arrival is a genuine person who they say they are. In countries like Australia, this list is referred to as the 100 Point ID Check. Alongside, a copy of your visa must be issued to ensure you have sufficient work right in the country. A vevo check or visa check allows them to perform this task efficiently.
Other licences they may ask is the Working With Children Check or Working With Vulnerable People Check depending on your role. A nurse is expected to present their certificate stating they are registered through Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or a bus driver is expected to provide a copy of their driver’s license.
Workplace Ethics and Cultures
It is important, no matter wherever you go, to learn about the culture, environment and ethics of that place. Doing so will make you adapt to the place. People from different backgrounds, culture, faith and gender will be present in a workplace. So, you must know how to work with them collaboratively. This also enhances the company culture and environment ensuring company productivity. It also creates a positive vibe among the employees. Also, be mindful of the organization rules and regulations.
Documents
Do expect a checklist of documents that you will need to supply to your employer. They typically consist of:
- Tax details;
- Superannuation details;
- Employee documents such as emergency contact details etc.
- Bank account details (for payment purpose).
Know your rights
As a responsible employee, you should know your rights in the workplace. You have all the right to seek information about almost everything. Know what are their payment methods, days, their leave policies including sick leaves, personal and annual leaves. Also, understand the rate of working in public holidays. Do not forget to ask about your break entitlements and penalty rates. Many times employees are underpaid and if you are unaware about it, just get to know the facts. If you are employed as a casual team member, you should know the minimum hours of work you should be doing per week or fortnight.
Other things to consider in the first few weeks
To create a positive impression, there are some tips jotted below for your first few weeks.
- Always, remember, always try to be in the workplace early and be the last one to leave. Remember, if you are on time for work, you are late. If you are 5 minutes early for work, you are on time! This will demonstrate your hard work and commitment.
- Ask questions. Asking questions is not a crime and you won’t be penalized for doing it. Ask questions, acquire knowledge, clear your doubts whenever you are in doubt. It will show your interest in learning. Noting the answers in a piece of paper is also helpful to remind you of the answers.
- Learn from high performers. Follow what they do and how they do so that you can walk in their footprints. Try to implement them in your routine for a chance to improve.
- Be friendly to everyone in the workplace. Make efforts to know your colleagues, managers and supervisors. Acknowledge them with a “Good morning” at the start of the day and a warm “Goodbye” when leaving the place. Get involved with them in lunch or for a cup of coffee. Offering them to have coffee together will act as a conversation starter. Not only it will aid in building relationships, but it will make your days enjoyable. An unhealthy work environment is not a good place to grow.
- Informing your manager about the tasks you have completed will help you achieve more compliments and appreciations. Try to wrap all the works as soon as possible and seek for any feedback. Feedback are great ways to improve and expand.
