Successful staff orientation [Feb. 2009]

Successful Staff Orientation

Any business, regardless of the size, can benefit from effective new employee orientation. A carefully designed orientation can improve employee commitment, reduce turnover, and minimize the learning curve. It is important to develop a consistent way of introducing the company including company history, culture, philosophies, missions, and goals to new hires.
Purpose of Orientation
Help the employee fit in quickly Reduce startup costs by helping the employee get "into action" to learn the job more quickly Reduce anxiety by providing guidelines for behavior and conduct so the employee does not experience the stress of guessing Reduce employer turnover by showing that the organization values the employee and provides the tools necessary for succeeding in the job Save time for supervisor and coworkers because a successful orientation reduces the time supervisors and coworkers spend teaching the employee and answering questions Develop realistic job expectations, positive attitudes, and job satisfaction by learning what is expected, and the values and attitudes of the organization
Planning for Orientation
Reduce stress and create rapport What things would new employees need to know about this work environment that would make them feel more comfortable? What key policies and procedures must employees be aware of the first day

to avoid mistakes on the second day? Concentrate on vital issues. What specific steps can be taken to ensure that new employees will begin to know their coworkers? What special things (desk, equipment, instructions) can be provided to make new employees feel comfortable, welcome, and secure? What positive experience can be provided to make new employees feel valued by the organization?
Preparing for Orientation
Help the employee feel welcome and know what to expect
Send an orientation agenda to the new hire with the offer letter
Make sure the new person's work area is ready for the first day of work
Have
Questions?
There are 53 Georgia Department of Labor Career Centers. Each office is equipped with high-speed internet. Go to www.dol.state.ga.us to locate an office near you.
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MICHAEL L. THURMOND, COMMISSIONER

Successful Staff Orientation

Be sure to inform staff that the new employee is starting work and encourage them to come say hello before the orientation begins
Assign a mentor or partner to show the new person around, make introductions, and start training
Start with the basics and focus on the why, when, where, and how of the position
Provide the job descriptions and samples on how to complete forms in the orientation packet
Provide a list of frequently asked questions along with a contact person and phone number.
Consider taking the new hire to lunch and include other coworkers
Give the new person some responsibility for his or her orientation by offering opportunities for self-directed learning
Ask for feedback by sending an evaluation two to four weeks after the employee has started, asking how he/she reacted to the orientation process, and ask for suggestions
Participants
Best to have the orientation on the first day of work All new employees are required to attend the orientation session Orientation is planned as soon as the start date has been confirmed The supervisor or manager provides free time to spend with the new worker
Content
Each person receives an employee handbook or other materials, but be sure to cover:
Company history, mission, and vision statements
Training opportunities

Internet and electronic policies regarding websites and cell phones
Disciplinary, complaints, discrimination, and grievance procedures
Ethics statement and security information Time sheet information and payroll
procedures Normal work hours and break policies Insurance, pension, and savings plans Performance evaluation, promotion, and
transfer procedures Vacation and holiday policies Attendance policy regarding absences,
tardiness, jury duty, and leaves of absence List and brief explanation of all the
departments and current projects Initial work assignment and needed support
Format
Use a variety of methods during the orientation: Lecture by one or more speakers PowerPoint Transparencies and charts Film, slides, or videotapes Tour of work area, restrooms, break room, conference room, etc, Question and answer time Internal HR web page Meeting with the employee at the end of the day to find out how the day went and answer any questions
Orientation Websites
www.humanext.com
www.humanresources.about.com/od/orientation_ and_training_of new_employees.htm
www.humanlinks.com/manres/articles/employee_ orientation.htm
DOL-4452 (R-02/09)

Visit our website at www.dol.state.ga.us
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