Q
Dear Workforce:
Where can I find information on HR or IS policies for determining standardissue hardware or software for new employees, depending on type of job function?
– IT Manager, supplier of gas purifying products, Mayfield Heights, OH
A Dear IT Manager:
Sample policies regarding the issuing of hardware and software are difficultto find, probably because these needs are specific to each organization and arehard to generalize. In most cases, these needs are met through a new-employeeorientation checklist similar to the one you probably already use.
However, the most common downfall of new- employee checklists is that theyare not planned or prioritized — they merely list all of the things a newemployee needs to know or to get, and provide little or no accountability forwho needs to complete the tasks or in what timeframe.
From a general orientation standpoint, one suggestion would be to sit downand identify all the issues relative to orienting the new employee to thecompany, from where he or she will sit, to benefits enrollments, to learninginformation about how the company handles client gifts. These are three distinctareas that have different levels of importance. Somewhere in there will bedetermining hardware and software needs. If it’s critical that a new employeeneeds these on the first day, then put it atop the list and start working on itas soon as you learn of the hiring.
As far as equipment procurement, consider taking a pyramid approach.Determine the basic equipment needs for every employee and commit to having itready to go on day one, if necessary. This may be a telephone and PC. Thendetermine secondary needs, such as specific software or special network access.After that, you can then determine specialized needs based on the employee’sposition, such as a laptop or PDA, or dial-in access from home. Trying to set uptoo much for the employee’s first day, especially if you hire today to starttomorrow, will drive you crazy.
For ideas on new employee checklists, search Google.comfor “new employee orientation checklist.” Many organizations, especiallyuniversities, have theirs online.
SOURCE: Bill Dickmeyer, CEBS, Madison Human Resources Consulting, LLC,Madison, Wis., Feb. 8.
LEARN MORE: Find sample policies and proceduresin the Workforce Research Center.
The information contained in this article is intended to provide usefulinformation on the topic covered, but should not be construed as legal advice ora legal opinion. Also remember that state laws may differ from the federal law.