Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Induction program assists new staff

The City of Port Phillip recognises that new ways of working together will achieve better outcomes across the organisation. Comprising the inner Melbourne beachside suburbs such as St Kilda, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and Albert Park, Port Phillip has a population on 82,000 people.

Council calls this work culture a 'web organisation'; that is, a network of relationships based on learning, openness, care and respect.

Council's Organisational Development Consultant, Leanne Bickley, said inducting a new employee is not merely a process of introducing the new employee to everyone on the first day.

"The induction period is a vital time in developing a new employee's perception of the Council's culture and ensuring they feel supported," she said. "The initial energy devoted to the development of new employees will have an ongoing impact for all concerned. It is vital that we make new staff feel welcome in the organisation from the very beginning."

She said that traditional one day induction programs with new employees being 'talked at' by a number of speakers are not effective inductions.

"It is essential to provide an opportunity for all new staff to interact through reflection, discussions and small group work," she said.

Introduced in 2005, Port Phillip's three month induction program includes the following elements:

• a half day 'New Staff Induction Session', including a one hour discussion with the CEO
• a guided bus tour around the City of Port Phillip
• computer network training
• a one hour practical experience session in Council's call centre with a call centre consultant
• reflection time with a member of the General Management Team, afternoon tea with a group of new employees and a General Manager after their first three months
• attendance at a Council meeting
• attendance at a 'Back to Basics in Local Government' session, which increases participants understanding of their own role as a Local Government employee
• attendance at a 'Seeing Like the Community' session, which provides a framework for looking at, and addressing the complex social, environmental, economic and cultural issues that underpin the work at the City of Port Phillip.

A toolikit has also been developed for managers to ensure they feel confident in inducting new employees.

Leanne Bickley said new staff have responded positively to the new program.

"Overall, most inductees are really appreciative of the attention they receive in their initial days with Council," she said. "They especially enjoy the chance to chat with our CEO on their first day, as most people come from organisations where they did not meet top level management at all."

For further information contact Leanne Bickley on (03) 9209 6777.

The following articles are also included in this edition or go BACK to the main page: