An employee’s first impressions of an organisation can have a significant impact on job satisfaction and their integration.  

An effective induction (or "onboarding") ensures that a new starter is properly welcomed to the organisation, helps them to settle in and makes sure they have the information they need to perform effectively. An effective induction will also contribute to overall employee experience and longer-term engagement.  It will also reduce the risk that the new employee does not settle in well, resulting in early attrition and its associated costs.  

A supportive, comprehensive and engaging induction will include information on: 

  • The organisation: including mission, values, strategy and objectives, as well as history and culture. Policies, procedures and administration.  
  • The team and the people: including manager, immediate team, colleagues across the organisation, key stakeholders or customers.  
  • The role and responsibilities: including performance expectations, objectives, key performance indicators and ways of working.  

This guide offers advice on running effective inductions with links to practical tools to help implement the advice. 

Member tool: CIPD Buddy AI AI
Use AI to find trusted answers on our Knowledge hub. Start using CIPD Buddy AI

Induction is the process of welcoming and integrating a new starter and kicks off the probation period. In the UK, as a result of changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025, employers are having to take more care over their probation processes, including induction. For legal detail on this matter please see the probation sections on the recruitment law page.

On this page

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue
Instant access Explore membership

Practical tools to support
effective induction

CIPD members can download a range of tools to help them develop effective induction processes

Access the tools
  • Guide

    Right to work checks: Guide for people professionals

    This guide provides practical advice on carrying out key checks during recruitment to ensure an employee has the right to work, what visa considerations to make and practical aspects to consider when offering employment

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Pre-employment checks: Factsheet

    Factsheet outlining the basics of pre-employment checks (including right to work checks) required when hiring in the UK

    For Members
  • Report

    Resourcing and talent planning report

    Trend analysis and benchmarking data on recruitment, retention and talent management to inform HR and employers on practice considerations and decision-making

  • Guide

    Right to work checks: Guide for people professionals

    This guide provides practical advice on carrying out key checks during recruitment to ensure an employee has the right to work, what visa considerations to make and practical aspects to consider when offering employment

    For Members
    • All guides