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Thoughts to ponder before employee orientation

Most of the bigger organisations already have orientation program in hand to "orient new staff". But it does not hurt for small and medium sized enterprise to do the same. It only makes the machinery more efficient and it doesn't cost much.

Orientation is generally defined as - "a course introducing a new situation or environment". General emphasis is usually on familiarisation of the work environment and understanding of the key values, priorities and goals of the organisation.

What are the benefits of orientation exercise in your organisation?

For one proper orientation can help the employee get up to the mark much more quickly. Stranger in a strange environment. This will only cause anxiety amongst the newbie and orientation can help with that. With proper orientation one can reduce anxiety and help to provide guidelines for behaviour and conduct.

Orientation can also help with the employee turnover....mostly out of the fact that these employees feel they are not valued. Good orientation helps to make them feel valuable, and with necessary tools, the employees are well equipped to face any challenges they might face in the office.

Here are few things that you should keep in your mind, when devising orientation program.

1. Impression

Creating first impression is important. You have to make sure that they are impressed enough with what the company has to offer and is able to accept your organisation’s working culture. This is likely to help the new employees develop loyalty, co-operate with co-workers and supervisors, offer ideas and take it to their stride in ensuring your organisations success. Most important of all, they must be felt welcome at all time, from day one.

2. Familiarisation

It's imperative that the new employees knows who they are working with and what special projects, if any, they will be working on. Please note that the first day itself should be smooth for the newbie. For example, you can alert the receptionists and the security guards (if available) on the arrival of the new employee, and ensure that he workplace is ready. With the keys or necessary entry codes ready, assign an e-mail address and password and not to mention list of internal contact lists.

The first day will also be the most opportune time to have the new employee complete his or her paperwork. Have the necessary forms filled out, may it be for the HR records, or information needed for the security tag, etc.

3. Once is not enough

In the process of orientation, messages sent across to the new employees are usually lost. Once is not the way to get the message across. You have to keep repeating the messages. Good practises should be made a habit, and mistakes are to be avoided and there are no other ways but gentle reminders time to time. Its akin to driving...you will never get it the first time around, it takes plenty of practise to finally master the art of driving a vehicle.

4. Feedback.

Feedback should be instantaneous. Delay it and the new employees would forget what or when they went wrong, and did the right thing. Immediate response is necessary for them to not to repeat mistakes and to maintain or grow if they are moving in the direction. In fact, many employers prefer just criticising and stay silent the employee has done something right. There is nothing more encouraging than a few words of praise as not only it makes the newbie more welcomed, but prod him or her to work harder and come out with suggestions to improve themselves.

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