Here is information relayed from HR & Benefits on New Employee Orientation. This article was from a previous Magellan newsletter, but I thought it might be of interest to some if you missed it.
New employee orientation (also called on-boarding) is the process employers have created to introduce new employees to management, staff and their new workplace environment. The goal is to familiarize your new employee with your company and create a positive first impression. Employee orientation is also designed for employees who are promoted within your company and need a similar type of program.
Be sure that your employee orientation process treats employees fairly and avoids any statements or actions that could constitute illegal discrimination under federal or state law. If you have questions regarding your orientation program and discrimination issues, contact an employment law attorney who knows your state laws.
Benefits of Employee Orientation
The following are major benefits of a good orientation program:
- Increases staff retention – an effective orientation program can increase the likelihood that new employees will stay with the company.
- Enhances productivity – a proper orientation will allow new employees to be more productive at a faster pace.
- Helps new employees understand the processes and procedures that help your company run smoothly- and what is expected of them.
- Provides an opportunity for the new hire to ask questions, get help and even offer constructive suggestions as to how to improve your company.
- Reinforces the qualities you conveyed about your company and the position during the recruitment process.
New Employee Orientation Checklist
Your orientation process should begin with planning ahead for your new employee’s arrival. The following checklist will help things move smoothly for your new employee:
- Notify everyone in the employee’s department that a new person is starting.
- Assign one of your employees to show your new hire the new workplace environment, make introductions and respond to any questions. This is a great way to put your new employee at ease.
- Encourage the team to welcome and support the new employee.
- Create a great first impression by making the employee’s work location neat, clean and organized.
- Be sure that access to the company’s network or intranet, email and phone extension are set up for your new employee.
- If necessary, arrange for a building pass, IDs and parking pass.
- If you will be providing an employee handbook, make sure it is ready to be distributed, along with all necessary benefits plan information , including a general COBRA notice if you are a covered employer (20+ employees).
- Develop a training plan to ensure that the new employee’s first few months go smoothly.
- Organize a list of key people, i.e., team and management your new employee should meet to get a better understanding of everyone’s roles.
Benefits Boardroom 