First impressions always count on your first day in a new job, and now, following the implementation of a Business Process Improvement Initiative to overhaul onboarding, Human Resources deliver winning first impressions.

“Onboarding was a disjointed and overcomplicated process,” said Human Resources Officer and onboarding project spokesperson, Christania Tanuwidjaya. “The entire process was reviewed as a Lean methodology Rapid Improvement Event, and resulted in a streamlined, efficient process which focuses more on the starter experience.”

The refreshed process engages new staff with the University’s vision, mission, values and strategic priorities and enables them to be productive in their new role from the start.

“On our first day back this year, we introduced 12 staff to Macquarie using our new process,” she said. “The atmosphere was definitely in stark contrast to previous induction sessions, with several new-starters praising the experience.”

The first session for 2015 was opened and closed by Human Resources Director, Nicole Gower, with all sessions now opened by Nicole or another senior member of the Human Resources team.

“We also tell the story of Macquarie,” said Christania. “New staff learn where we’ve come from and where we’re heading. They’re provided with breakfast, free parking for the day and a list of the top five things to do on day one.”

Christania says the improvements not only benefit new staff, but improves the process for hiring managers.

“The positive responses we’ve received from hiring managers have been terrific,” she said. “The process is now much simpler with a single OneHelp ticket making the pre-onboarding process swifter and easier to track and manage. We have also taken a lot of the administrative work away from the manager, leaving them to focus on performance.

“We’ve really shifted our focus from form filling and compliance to one of engagement with the University and all that it has to offer our staff to be the best they can be. This has been an immense achievement for Macquarie.”

Learn more about the new induction and onboarding process.

Contact the Business Process Initiative team if you have a process improvement idea.