QDear Workforce:
Where can I findinformation on HR or IS policies for determining standard issue hardware orsoftware for new employees, depending upon type of job function?
– Scott Hendricks, IS Manager, ChartIndustries
Dear Scott:
Sample policiesregarding the issuing of hardware and software are difficult to find, probablybecause these needs are specific to each organization and are hard togeneralize. In most cases, these needs are met through a new-employeeorientation checklist similar to the one you probably already use. However, themost common downfall of new-employee checklists is that they are not planned orprioritized – they merely list all of the things a new employee needs to know orto get, and provide little or no accountability for who needs to complete thetasks or in what timeframe.
From a generalorientation standpoint, one suggestion would be to sit down and identify all theissues relative to orienting the new employee to the company, from where he orshe will sit, to benefits enrollments, to learning information about how thecompany handles client gifts. These are three distinct areas that have differentlevels of importance. Somewhere in there will be determining hardware andsoftware needs. If it’s critical that a new employee needs these on the firstday, then put it atop the list and start working on it as soon as you learn ofthe hiring.
As far as equipmentprocurement, consider taking a pyramid approach. Determine the basic equipmentneeds for every employee and commit to having it ready to go on day one ifnecessary. This may be a telephone and PC. Then determine secondary needs, suchas specific software or special network access. After that, you can thendetermine specialized needs based on the employee’s position, such as a laptopor PDA, or dial-up access from home. Trying to set up too much for theemployee’s first day, especially if you hire today to start tomorrow, will driveyou crazy.
For ideas on newemployee checklists, go to www.google.comand search on “new employee orientation checklists.” Manyorganizations, especially universities, have theirs online.
SOURCE: Bill Dickmeyer, CEBS,Madison Human Resources Consulting, LLC, Madison, Wis., Feb. 8.