PNNL New Hire Orientation

About Our Customer

One of the most consistently intriguing clients we work with is the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). PNNL, as it is commonly known, is a place where scientists tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the United States. PNNL is one of 10 U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories, operated by Battelle— the world's largest independent scientific research and technology development organisation— since 1965.

PNNL plays a pivotal role in the development of cutting-edge technology and is home to some of the brightest minds and most advanced research equipment globally. It is a collaborative hub and a magnet for PhD talent, with endlessly fascinating work. As an institution of this calibre, it is essential for PNNL to attract, retain, and engage a highly skilled workforce.

The Challenge

For over a decade, new hires at PNNL were introduced to the organisation through a Laboratory Orientation course lasting three to four hours. The content was delivered via a bland, table-style page, which felt outdated compared to the innovative work happening within the laboratory. PNNL required a refreshed employee engagement programme that would inspire world-changing innovation from day one.

PNNL also faced uncertainty around defining their training requirements, including the type of training that would best meet their high standards in terms of production value, content delivery, and materials.

The Solution

Following a thorough training needs analysis, it was determined that an online training programme would best suit PNNL’s needs. A self-paced environment would allow employees to engage with the training when convenient, minimising disruptions to productivity and setting a high standard for innovation. An interactive learning flipbook design was employed, capturing employees' imaginations and engaging them from the outset.

The Results

The new hire orientation was crafted to align with PNNL’s mission and vision, a critical requirement for the laboratory. The flipbook format encouraged exploration and interaction, proving both highly engaging and informative. This innovative approach not only met PNNL’s needs but also set the stage for employees to contribute to groundbreaking work from their very first day.