Rachael Bailey-Frost, Talent Manager
Starting a new job is a daunting prospect at the best of times. Factor in the all the changes and adaptations to working life that have been implemented over the past 12 months and it is unsurprising that we are feeling cautions about making a move.
Without the support, encouragement and advice of our colleagues, work can become stressful, and it is more important now than ever that businesses are ensuring their employees are not isolated and able to maintain great relationships. When starting a new position, you must build new relationships and given the fact most of us are now working from home, businesses need to ensure they are taking this into consideration when it comes to their induction process.
ATA Recruitment have continued recruiting throughout the pandemic. Although, we have been mindful of the fact that are new starters are joining us at strange and unprecedented time. I’m pleased to say we have successfully inducted a number of new employees across all areas of our business and below are just some of the steps that we have taken to make their start as easy as possible.
Virtual Meetings
Every new member of staff is introduced to their team virtually. Team meetings are an open forum in which our challenges are discussed and successes celebrated! Despite the fact that they have not been able to spend time with their new colleagues face to face, our new starters quickly become valued members of our team. Digital Marketing Executive Ashleigh Lancaster, who joined us in December 2020 said the following about her relationships within the business:
“We communicate daily over MS Teams and work as collaboratively as we would do were we in the office (we even still had the obligatory Christmas Quiz!) Whilst I can’t wait to get in the office to spend more time with my new colleagues, I couldn’t be happier with my new role and I feel as though I have already built strong relationships within the team.”
Training and Development
Just because we’re not in the office, doesn’t mean our training isn’t as effective! We have moved the majority of our training online. Some is conducted through our training portal and some done ‘virtually’. Different members of our leadership and recruitment team are always on hand to welcome and support you through our structured 12-week programme. As restrictions continue to ease, we have also begun weekly socially distanced training in the office in small groups to maintain face to face contact where possible. Recruitment Specialist, Asad Hussain, who joined us in February 2021 said the following about his induction with us:
“The team have been very impressive thus far and they have not compromised on any of my induction or training whilst I have been in the role. They have put great processes in place to ensure I have the best possible start. So far, things are going very well for me in the business and they can only get better. I have the flexibility of working from the comfort of my own home when I need to and I have been provided with all the equipment I need to do so. I also have the benefits of 1 to 1 training and a very easy going and understanding manager who is providing me with all the training, tips and tricks I need to be successful.”
ATA Connect
Not only have we taken steps to ensure our new employees have the best possible start with us from a social perspective, it’s also important that we equip all of our team with the tools they need to be successful. Alongside providing all of our staff with the IT Equipment required to move their workspaces to their homes, we also invested in numerous pieces of software to help our clients and candidates with their recruitment processes. Connect is the latest Video Software, designed specifically for the screening and interview process. By making the process smooth and more user friendly for candidate, client and internal employee, Connect solves many common problems in the virtual recruitment process. This ensures our staff are able to make the best use of their time whilst working remotely.
Wellbeing Support
As highlighted by the Mental Health Foundation, it is said that “74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope”. It is vital to us that our employees still receive the wellbeing support they would in an office environment. As such, fully trained Mental health first aiders are on hand should any of our new starters or existing colleagues require a confidential discussion regarding their wellbeing.
Likewise, employees have access to the Employee Assistance Programme – a support network that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Designated, trained consultants are available to provide advice and support on a variety of issues, whether they be at home, at work or health related.
Similarly, we may not be able to take part in our usual social activities due to current restrictions, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t staying in touch and maintaining our relationships outside of working hours. By taking part in team activities such as 310,000 steps for Samaritans and the Rainbows #LeicesterToLeHavre challenge, employees can still enjoy friendships across the business.
Join the ATA Recruitment team today
Due to growth, we have a number of Recruitment Consultant jobs in both Leeds and Leicester. We are keen to speak to ambitious individuals. Whether you are a recruitment novice or an experienced recruitment professional, we could have the exciting new role you have been waiting for. For a confidential conversation about what we offer, get in touch today! Either call me directly on 07920 595 229 or send your CV to rachael.bailey-frost@ata-recruitment.co.uk.