Employee orientation is necessary because it sets a basis for the new employees. The first impressions are significant because they build the base for everything that follows. Still, it is the most neglected function in several organizations. Without orientation, a new employee may feel uncomfortable in the new environment and can take extra time to reach full potential. Piles of paperwork and employee handbook are not enough anymore for welcoming a new employee to the organization.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of employee orientation in an organization.
What is Meant by Employee Orientation?
Employee orientation refers to the initial process of familiarizing new employees with the organization. It involves providing essential information about company culture, values, expectations, and day-to-day operations. There is a marked difference between employee orientation and employee onboarding. Companies should learn the difference between the two for a successful action process.
Importance of Employee Orientation in an Organization
The importance of employee orientation in an organization is often understated. The significance of orientation is equal to the significance of training. Orientation serves to assist new employees with the tools and information they need to succeed in the job. It establishes the stage for human resource processes and company policy in the organization.
Here are some of the importance of employee orientation in an organization:
Ingrains Loyalty
The positive first impression of the organization fills the new employee with pride and enthusiasm, jump-starting the sense of loyalty towards the organization. The company’s orientation should start with an upbeat tone, with introductions, vision statement, the mission statement, company goals, culture, profits, and a brief outline of the plans for growth, rather than with the strict rules of the company or the firing policies.
Accelerates Learning
On the very first day of the job, nothing is more important than a session that outlines the organization in effortlessly digestible pieces. It helps in reducing confusion. Making initial information easy and simple to understand, assists streamline, and quicken the learning method, allowing everyone involved to get on with the company sooner rather than later.
Promotes Communication
An ideal orientation process makes the new employee feel welcomed, supported, comfortable, and able to interact easily. By encouraging queries and gracefully acknowledging them, develops affinity and nurtures communication abilities from the get-go. There is no secret in the fact that the better an organization communicates on every level, the better is its victory.
Improves Performance
The orientation day of the new employee normally covers some heavy policies. That is why it is better to post the rules and guidance in a convenient location, guiding the new employee to connect to them as required.
An orientation handbook is a source of information to build a solid foundation, build confidence, boost efficiency, and improve performance through the onboarding program and beyond.
Reduces Turnover Rate
No organization wishes to lose employees because of a lack of direction or connection, especially after spending a lot of time handpicking them from the long list of interviewees. The ideal employee orientation program assists all new hires, by making them feel confident, understood, loyal, and enthusiastic to stay with the organization for the long-term. The employees’ orientation program may last for half a day or so, but the positive impact copulated with upbeat organization culture assists to retain an organization’s turnover rate low through keeping morale high.
What to Include in the Orientation Program?
A comprehensive orientation program should cover:
- Company Overview: Provide insights into the company’s history, mission, and values.
- HR Policies and Procedures: Explain employee benefits, code of conduct, and workplace policies.
- Role and Responsibilities: Offer a detailed understanding of job expectations and key performance indicators.
- Technology and Tools Training: Ensure employees are equipped with necessary software and equipment.
- Workplace Tour: Familiarize new hires with the office layout and facilities.
- Meet the Team: Schedule introductions to key team members and departments.
- Compliance Training: Conduct mandatory compliance and safety training sessions.
Do’s and Don’ts of New Employee Orientation
Do’s:
- Prepare a detailed orientation checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Assign a mentor or buddy to help the new hire settle in.
- Encourage open communication and address any concerns promptly.
- Provide interactive and engaging sessions instead of only lectures.
- Offer opportunities for questions and feedback.
Don’ts:
- Don’t overload employees with too much information in a single day.
- Avoid using jargon that may confuse new hires.
- Don’t neglect follow-ups; conduct regular check-ins to ensure they are adjusting well.
- Refrain from making the process overly formal and intimidating.
- Don’t skip the importance of workplace culture and team introductions.
Conclusion
A well-structured employee orientation program is the foundation of a successful employee journey. It not only aids in faster acclimatization but also enhances employee satisfaction and retention. By investing in a robust orientation, organizations ensure their new hires are set up for long-term success.
For a new employee to become prolific, it is important that HR is well-trained via high-value providing human resources webinars.
These webinars equip HR professionals with the latest tools and strategies, ensuring they can effectively support new hires.
The end of every day in employment is as important as the beginning.
