Employers today seek workers who can start performing their jobs with enthusiasm and gusto from the moment they are hired. Training and onboarding, therefore, are essential processes for integrating new employees into an organization.
Onboarding is the process of familiarizing a new employee with the culture, vision, and goals of a company. Training, on the other hand, is meant to get them up to speed with their specific tasks and responsibilities.
Both these programs can be challenging for those who speak English as a second language, or maybe even a third. That’s because while professionals may be highly competent in their respective fields, they may be unfamiliar with the English words and phrases commonly used during onboarding and training.
With that in mind, let’s dive into the English words you must understand and be able to use when you’re settling into a new job.
Let’s first understand why having a reasonably large English vocabulary is important when you take on a new role.
Let’s now explore some key terms and phrases that are indispensable for new employees and trainees. These words are essential for clear and effective professional communication in any modern workplace.
Orientation: A structured program welcoming new employees into a company and introducing them to the company culture and policies.
Example: Please attend the orientation event on the first day of your job to understand the company's values and expectations.
Mentor: An experienced employee assigned to guide and support a new employee.
Example: Your mentor will guide you through the initial training period and answer any questions you may have.
Training Module: A unit or segment of a training program designed to teach specific skills or knowledge.
Example: The first training module is designed to teach you basic customer service skills.
Competency: The ability to do something successfully or efficiently.
Example: You must develop key competencies to grow within the company.
Feedback: Information about performance used as a basis for improvement.
Example: We will conduct regular feedback sessions to help you understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
As we mentioned before, onboarding is the process of integrating new employees into an organization.
This period includes meetings with team members and managers, training on specific tasks, and providing resources to new employees. Some key phrases to keep in mind during this period are:
Probation Period: A trial period at the beginning of employment to assess a new worker's performance.
Example: We will closely monitor your performance during the three-month probation period.
Benefits Package: A set of non-wage compensations provided to employees, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Example: We have included health insurance and a company-sponsored retirement plan in your benefits package.
Code of Conduct: A set of rules outlining the responsibilities and proper practices of an individual or organization.
Example: We expect you to familiarize yourself with the company's code of conduct and meet our ethical standards.
Each job has its own technical vocabulary—terms that define important operations or functions specific to a particular line of work. For instance, some words are used almost exclusively in the world of finance, just as others are in software development or engineering.
Here are some important English words common to diverse industries:
Software: The programs and other operating information used by a computer.
Example: We will train you on how to use the new project management software!
Database: An organized collection of data, generally stored and accessed electronically from a computer system.
Example: You must understand how to navigate our customer database for your role.
Encryption: The process of converting information or data into a code to prevent unauthorized access.
Example: You must encrypt all sensitive information before sending it via email.
Interface: A point where two systems, subjects, or organizations meet and interact.
Example: You will need to familiarize yourself with the user interface of our sales system.
Troubleshooting: The process of diagnosing the source of a problem and fixing it.
Example: We will train you in basic troubleshooting techniques for common technical issues.
To foster individual and organizational growth, companies continuously evaluate employee performance according to set guidelines.
Here are some metrics (systems of measurement) commonly used to evaluate job performance and provide feedback:
Objective: A specific result that a person or system aims to achieve within a time frame and with available resources.
Example: Setting clear objectives will help you focus on your key priorities.
Productivity: The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.
Example: Improving your productivity can lead to more significant achievements and recognition.
Improvement Plan: A detailed plan aimed at improving performance in specific areas.
Example: If you need to improve in certain areas, we will develop a personalized improvement plan for you.
Interpersonal skills refer to the ability to communicate and build effective relationships with others. Good interpersonal skills make it easier to work with others, solve problems, and build positive collaborations.
Here are some important words that will help you get along with people at work:
Collaboration: The action of working with one or more people to achieve a common goal.
Example: Effective collaboration between team members is a must for successful project outcomes.
Conflict Resolution: The process of resolving a dispute or a conflict.
Example: Our conflict resolution training will teach you strategies to manage disagreements constructively.
Adaptability: The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
Example: You must demonstrate adaptability to thrive in a dynamic work environment.
Initiative: Readiness to take on a new responsibility, venture, or challenge independently.
Example: Taking initiative can set you apart as a proactive and valuable team member.
Networking: Interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
Example: Networking with peers and industry leaders can open up new opportunities for career advancement.
When it comes to onboarding and training, Immigo has the tools and resources you need to hit the ground running at your new workplace. Our English learning classes are designed to help you communicate effectively and confidently in every area of your personal, social, and professional life.
Explore the wide selection of Immigo English courses specially curated for non-native speakers looking to achieve fluency fast.
