The New Payroll Clerk
Irene Kemp has just completed her first day on a new job at Key Data Processing Co. (KDP). Although she had been out of the force while raising a family, she was hired recently as a payroll clerk, based primarily on three years' experience she had 15 years ago. Quite naturally, she approached a job with more anxiety than the average person taking a new job.
That evening, Jim, her 15-year-old son, asked, "How did it go today?" Irene replied, "Oh, okay I guess, although I'm not really sure." She continued describing her day to her son and related that upon arriving at work, she went to ther personnel department. The personnel assistant said, "Are you starting today? Have a seat while I get some forms for you to fill out." After spending 30 minutes having various hospitalizations, retirement, and other benefits explained, Irene was thoroughly confused, but managed to complete all the relevant forms. The personnel assistant then told her to go to the accounting department.
After taking two wrong turns, Irene entered the accounting department and asked one of the clerks where Mrs. Schultz, the supervisor, was. "Oh, she's in a meeting and will be back in about an hour. Can I help you?" Upon learning that Irene was a new employee, Roy Harmon, the clerk, introduced Irene to the other six people in the department. Roy got Irene some coffee and began telling her "the true story" about KDP, including the fact that two supervisors had quit in other departments. He also, told her how to "get along with Fran (the superevisor)"
About 10:15, Fran Schultz returned from her meeting, saw Irene and said, "Oh I'm sorry, I forgot you were starting today. Why don't you observe what Roy is doing while I return some calls." At 10"45 Fran called Irene into her office and spent 45 minutes reviewing work rules and the job responsibilities of payroll clerks. Then Fran left for lunch after asking one of the other clerks to "let Irene tag along with you for lunch>"
After returning from lunch, Fran showed Irene the forms, where her desk was, and gave her some time cards, which needed the hours, computed. Irene spent most of the rest of the day completing the time cards, except for a break in mid-afternoon. At 4:10 Fran checked back with Judy, noted a few errors, and explained that she would have more time to spend with Irene tomorrow. Irene then punched out at 4:30 and went home.
Irene's son Jim, with the candor of a 15-year-old, said, "Man, they sound disorganized." Later that evening Irene told her son that she was having doubts about taking a job at KDP.
Questions
1. What problems can you identify with the orientation activities experienced by Irene?
2. How would you make changes in the orientation process? What changes would you make?