The first day in any job is always daunting. It is important new recruits feel safe and supported to thrive in their new work environment with NSW Health.
NEW STARTERS
Make sure that ahead of their first day, you have stayed in touch with your staff member and that they are clear about when and where they are starting in their new position and what they need to bring with them on or prior to their first day.
Preparation
- Many employee details need to be collected in advance so that personnel files, computer logins, building access, and passwords can be set up prior to first days
You also need to make new starters aware of any other household items they might be required to bring on their first day such as cutlery, crockery and glassware - as many people may assume that these things will be provided. Making people aware that there are fridges to store food and that hot/cold water is provided will also be beneficial by improving new starters' expectations of their new workplace.
WORKPLACE ORIENTATION
Most organisations within NSW Health will have an orientation package that can be provided to new starters. Human resources should be contacted for enquiries about these packs. Most workplaces within NSW Health will also offer a formal orientation program to new starters.
This program is usually run regularly throughout the year. It's important that you book your new starter in to attend this program as early as possible as it will assist with their transition to NSW Health by providing an overview of their new workplace, including:
- Orientation to different units/ work areas within NSW Health and key staff
- A better overall understanding of workplace policies and procedures
Less formally, it is important that new starters are shown around the work place and introduced to their new team on the first day.
An orientation will vary according to the individual facility or organisation and the role that has been recruited to. Generally a basic orientation should include:
- Introductions to the team, line managers and other key contacts
- Tour of the workplace and the location of amenities such as the toilets, kitchen areas, lunch/common rooms, stationary, scanner, printer and fax
- Providing awareness of security procedures & building access times, including provision of building access card to new starter
- Orientation to the computer system - logging in, accessing emails, relevant databases and NSW Health sites
- Showing the location of fire exits and providing an overview of the emergency evacuation procedures and Workplace Health and Safety responsibilities
- Clinical time for clinical roles
- Facilitating completion of any outstanding employee documentation such as the NSW Health Code of Conduct
- Providing awareness of policies and procedures that govern the workplace including the Local Flexible Working Hours agreement and the requirement for all staff to undertake the Respecting the Difference - An Aboriginal Cultural Training Framework for NSW Health.
Staff transfers
- For staff that are transferring from one part of NSW Health to another it is important that they ensure any leave balances - those for flex time, annual leave and sick balances - are transferred to their new role. Refer these staff to payroll to address any concerns.
STAFF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
There are a host of policies and procedures that NSW Health staff need to abide by. New starters need to be made aware of these policies and the systems that are used to manage things such as payroll and leave.