Orientation Training: Definition and Checklist (With Example and Template)

A formal process of introducing new employees to their job and teammates can help increase their confidence and improve their performance. It can also help them feel more valued within your company and improve long-term retention. Learning about different types of orientation training that companies do can help you decide which is right for your company.

In this article, we discuss what orientation training is and why it's important, different types of orientation training and share an orientation example and template you can use to create your own.

What is orientation training?

Orientation is the process of introducing new employees to their responsibilities, co-workers and workplace. An effective orientation training helps people feel more comfortable within their new roles, teams and departments, while also making them aware of company expectations and policies. Orientation allows new hires to ask questions or address any concerns. It also is intended to help them feel more comfortable in their roles.

Why is orientation important?

Orientation is important because it ensures the company has a streamlined, systematic approach to communicate responsibilities and expectations to a new employee, creating a smoother transition into their new position. An effective orientation helps to reduce the likelihood of employee turnover because of misunderstood expectations. It also ensures that all new team members are given the same information and receive the same training. This increases the likelihood that all-important information is conveyed upfront.

Orientation can also:

• Lower costs: Helping employees becoming acclimated to their roles more quickly means they can become productive in completing their responsibilities more quickly, which lowers costs.

• Increase employee confidence: New hires will gain confidence rapidly because they understand the company's expectations, systems and people early on.

• Improve performance: An orientation can help employees develop relationships and build key skills rapidly, which can improve their overall performance.

Types of orientation training

There are a variety of different types of orientation training that depend on the employee's level of skill and the type of work for which they were hired. If your organization has its own proprietary systems or software, unusual policies or procedures or the job requires specialized knowledge, then training becomes even more critical. Some types of orientation training include:

• Self-paced online learning programs for information like safety procedures, software skills or other technical skills

• One-on-one meetings to discuss work and provide constructive feedback

• Mentoring to give new hires a key resource within the company who they can go to continuously for questions and feedback

• Hands-on training to learn how to use machines and equipment

• In-person group training to train employees on soft skills like customer service, team-building, client management and coaching

• Formal courses available through outside vendors on business and other topics

Orientation training checklist template

An orientation training checklist is helpful when you're taking new hires through the orientation process since it can remind you of tasks you need to complete and ensure nothing is overlooked. Here's a template you can use as you create your own:

Administrative tasks

Help the new hire complete paperwork for HR, including:

• [Form]

• [Form]

• [Form]

Explain office procedures, including:

• How to [task/action]

• How to [task/action]

• How to [task/action]

Review company policies

Explain the terms of employment and have the new hire sign the following forms:

• [Form]

• [Form]

• [Form]

• [Form]

Review benefits like:

• [Benefit]

• [Benefit]

• [Benefit]

Review important company policies, including:

• [Policy]

• [Policy]

• [Policy]

Review what a typical day looks like at the office, covering topics like:

• [Routines/breaks/options]

• [Routines/breaks/options]

• [Routines/breaks/options]

Give the new hire a copy of the employee handbook and ask if they have any questions.

Give a tour of the office

Take the new hire on a tour of the office, showing them where each department is located and walking them through common areas, including the:

• [Location]

• [Location]

• [Location]

Explain who the hire should go to when they need help with specific issues, such as the:

• [Title of individual]

• [Title of individual]

• [Title of individual]

Additional tasks

• [Additional task]

• [Additional task]

• [Additional task]

Take to workstation

Explain how to use the equipment, including:

• [Equipment]

• [Equipment]

• [Equipment]

Give the new hire an overview of the communication and online channels including:

• [Channel]

• [Channel]

• [Channel]

Orientation training checklist example

Here's an example of an orientation training checklist that you can refer to as you create one for yourself.

Administrative tasks

Give the new hire HR paperwork to complete, including:

• W-4 form

• I-9 form

• Background check form

• Employee consent form

• Direct deposit authorization form

Explain common procedures for the office, including:

• How to get into the building and provide a key fob for getting into the office

• How to access the bathroom with a code

• How to log into and request time off through the HR system

Additional requests include:

• Asking the new hire to provide a professional photo for their online avatar

• Arranging for staff photos

Review company policies

Make sure that the new hire completes and signs the following forms:

• Confidentiality agreement

• Non-compete agreement

Provide information and resources on benefits, including:

• Health and life insurance information

• Retirement planning

• Performance bonuses

• Employee wellness program

Review important company policies, including:

• Paid time off

• Paid holidays

• Sick leave

• Work-from-home policies

• Data security policies

Discuss what a typical day looks like for the company, being sure to mention:

• Expectations for arrival times and the time by which all employees must be at work

• Lunch break options

• Break policies

Provide the new employee with a copy of the company handbook and answer any questions they might have.

Office tour and department introductions

Take the new employee on a tour of the office, showing them where each department is located and walking through common areas, including:

• Employee break room

• Kitchen

• Balcony

Point out who they should go to if they have specific issues they need to address, including:

• HR team

• IT team

Additional tasks

• Show the new hire how they can book meeting rooms if they should need them.

• Schedule an informal meetup for the entire team.

• Assign a mentor to offer guidance and answer questions for the first few weeks.

Take to workstation

Provide an overview of their work station, including:

• How to log in to their computer and email

• How to access the CMS

• How to use the video conferencing tools

Provide the new hire an overview of the communication channels, including:

• Messenger application

• Shared drives

• Company intranet

Additional tasks that need to be completed to ensure the team member is set up at their new work station include:

• Schedule detailed IT training on security

• Provide office supplies and explain where they can go for more

• Confirm that the new hire understands how to use all software for their role