How to introduce new employees to ISO 9001

[Mikishots]

In the past when we have hired new employees we have given a verbal background of the importance of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System. This is very ineffective and unprofessional. I would like to find out how others introduce ISO 9001 or any other Quality System to new hires. My reason for this is twofold. First I would like to ensure that every employee is fully aware of the importance they play in product realization and second, so each person interviewed during second and third party audits can give a clear answer as to the part they play in our quality program.

I'm in agreement with those that state not to introduce staff specifically to ISO 9001; introduce them to the quality management system. Knowing the standard word for word will not help anyone except possibly an auditor, because it really has nothing to do with the staff's day to day work. It's the QMS that they need to concentrate on.

 

[Claes Gefvenberg]

Knowing the standard word for word will not help anyone except possibly an auditor, because it really has nothing to do with the staff's day to day work. It's the QMS that they need to concentrate on.

Well said, and it helps to see the QMS as a translation of the standard, into a lingo spoken by the organisation.

/Claes

 

[Ninja]

... Knowing the standard word for word will not help anyone except possibly an auditor, because it really has nothing to do with the staff's day to day work. It's the QMS that they need to concentrate on.

I think I understand your intent...and if I understand correctly then I am in agreement.

All the same, it is NOT the QMS they need to concentrate on...it is the business success and their task load. They are different things...related, but different.

QMS is a fenced path...it is both the guidance for proper work (path) and the boundaries to stay within (fence). When going on a journey, you don't stare at the path or the fence...you look at the destination.
You follow the path. You stay within the fences. It is important to be aware of why you are following the path and why you are staying within the fences...but your focus is on the destination.

The destination is profit. The QMS simply keeps the journey from going off-track.

Looking at boundaries is what makes most employees hate a QMS. Look at the goal instead. Would you rather have an employee who never had a finding, or an employee who increased profit while never having a finding.
Keep the employee pointed to the goal, not inspecting the fences...

 

[guruprasadb]

To new employees we cover introduction to company QMS in induction training itself
Initially he / she will be in his dept /sec for two weeks of period in this respective HOD will breif the Process of the dept and his process suppliers, customers and resources required.

After two weeks he/she will forego Induction training to all departments including MR office where he will explained about
1. Quality Policy.
2. Objectives
3. Basic info about ISO 9001 and how is it implemented in Company i.e. about MRM, Control of documents, records, Internal audit etc
4. How to identify Documents and formats and its revision status
5. Overview about trainee departmental procedures

 

[gbcqc]

To new employees we cover introduction to company QMS in induction training itself
Initially he / she will be in his dept /sec for two weeks of period in this respective HOD will breif the Process of the dept and his process suppliers, customers and resources required.

After two weeks he/she will forego Induction training to all departments including MR office where he will explained about
1. Quality Policy.
2. Objectives
3. Basic info about ISO 9001 and how is it implemented in Company i.e. about MRM, Control of documents, records, Internal audit etc
4. How to identify Documents and formats and its revision status
5. Overview about trainee departmental procedures

This sounds almost exactly how we do it. I explain 1-4 and then explain that the Work instructions, forms and manufacturing process sheets they will be trained on in their departments all can flow back up to meet procedures, customer requirements and the Standard. "So as long as you follow you MPS(s) and other Work instructions, any risk of a bad assembly has been mitigated out of the system before it reaches you". But if you are not sure about something or feel something is incorrect, contact you supervisor and don't guess.

 

[Hemanta Bhatt]

It is helpful to begin the introduction to ISO 9001 or other process/improvement models with the core concepts related to quality management, process improvement and business excellence. The primary focus should be on two key aspects
- How systems and processes help the business (person independent, business continuity, consistent execution, etc.)
- Why both compliance and effectiveness are important (a process can be made effective if it is being complied to in the first place)

ISO 9001 can be viewed as one of the various ways, though probably the most popular and commonly accepted across the world, to help achieve the two key aspects mentioned above. The ISO framework and practices can then be elaborated to new employees against the above as the backdrop.

 

[mmagargee]

It is helpful to begin the introduction to ISO 9001 or other process/improvement models with the core concepts related to quality management, process improvement and business excellence. The primary focus should be on two key aspects
- How systems and processes help the business (person independent, business continuity, consistent execution, etc.)
- Why both compliance and effectiveness are important (a process can be made effective if it is being complied to in the first place)

ISO 9001 can be viewed as one of the various ways, though probably the most popular and commonly accepted across the world, to help achieve the two key aspects mentioned above. The ISO framework and practices can then be elaborated to new employees against the above as the backdrop.

I like your statement very much: "how systems and processes help the business (person independent, business continuity, consistent execution"

I think that I am going to change the focus of the new employee onboarding class that I teach. I usually focus on why, what, and how of our QMS starting from meeting our customer's needs. But your statement seems to me more fundamental in requiring process documentation and development.

Thanks.

 

[drgnrider]

Before any of our new-hires go to their departments, they go through a 2-hr introduction, mostly safety, presented by the EHS Manger (or me). Afterwards, I have a 20-minute PPT presentation that I use for both 9001 & 14001.

It starts with about three slides of an overview of who ISO is and what the Management Systems (MS) are intended for (good business practice, etc.).

Then 9001, first slide is a definition of Quality. Then a few slides about our QMS and why. Yes, I do list our Policy & objectives as well as why we have them.

Then an overview of 14001, what it looks at and why (regulations, eco-friendly, corporate, etc), how to handle spills. Again, policy & objectives, and explain why.

Also tell them where they can find the current documents.

I give them a one-page handout of both systems that states the Policies & Objectives and a few other useful items for audits. Also tell them they can reference this sheet during an audit.

Finally, questions & answers.

I can't really go into too much detail as each department has their own documents. It is on the new-hire checklist for the department to go over their specific information.