Importance of new employee orientation
For many new hires, orientation is typically the first opportunity to learn about your company’s mission, culture and benefits. It can show employees areas they may add to the organization and set clear expectations regarding job duties, policies and safety procedures.
Employers can use this process to help employees feel welcomed and valued in the company. Establishing a connection immediately also helps set the tone for a positive employee experience.
Although employee orientation and onboarding are often used interchangeably, their processes differ. Orientation provides a high-level introduction to the business. Employee onboarding is a more extensive, job-specific process that generally includes training, team building and deeper integration.
Related: New Hire Onboarding Checklist and Guide
Factors for a successful new hire orientation
Consider following these steps when planning a new employee orientation.
1. Make a positive first impression
Plan a positive and helpful new hire orientation to make a good first impression. Choose a location, activities and pamphlet that gives employees a sense of your company.
To help new hires understand their roles and the company culture, consider providing:
- A description of company history, including traditions and events
- An introduction to company leaders
- An explanation of benefits, policies and offerings through human resources (HR)
These can provide an overview of your business’s professional and social events, such as occasional speakers hosted by the company. You might also mention networking events, employee assistance programs (EAPs), employee resource groups (ERGs) and efforts to support continuing education or philanthropy
Consider scheduling activities between more technical sessions, such as HR paperwork and information technology (IT) meetings.
2. Make orientation a celebration
Orientation should deliver practical information in an engaging way. Help your new employees feel excited to be part of the team by:
- Going to lunch as a group
- Allowing time for new employees to connect
- Inviting new hires to a coffee hour
- Hosting a virtual meeting with Zoom icebreakers for remote employees
You might host a gathering for new hires after their first week to discuss their experiences. As you learn more about the new hires, try personalizing their experiences and include other colleagues. For example, if they have a background in graphic design, you could introduce them to the marketing team.
3. Help new employees understand their impact
One way to make new employees feel welcome is to help them understand how their positions affect the organization. Start with an overview of company operations. You might use a video or an interactive lecture that covers your clients, major projects, audience sectors and key departments. As you discuss the new hire’s department, explain their role on the team.
4. Listen to feedback
Consider asking for feedback through surveys and discuss the responses with employees who helped plan your new hire orientation. This feedback may help you identify ways to improve the process for future employees.
New hire orientation is an important part of the employee experience. By introducing the company positively, you can help new employees feel comfortable and confident in their decision to join your team.
FAQs about new hire orientation
How many days should you allocate for a new staff orientation?
Depending on the industry and your company, orientation may take between two days and two weeks. Consider mixing informative sessions with opportunities to socialize or meet new coworkers. A longer orientation may allow you to bring more employees into the process.
What are appropriate gifts for new employees?
If your company has the resources to give a small welcome gift, focus on office essentials, such as a new coffee mug, pens or notebooks. Other options might include a sweatshirt, jacket, water bottle or backpack printed with the company logo. Branded gifts can help create a sense of belonging and company pride.
What paperwork is usually filled out during new employee orientation?
New hire paperwork usually involves I-9 and W-4 forms. You might also have employees fill out a direct deposit authorization form. Employers also typically distribute an employee handbook and benefits package to be filled out at a later time.
What departments are typically involved in new employee orientation?
You may introduce new employees to all departments. The IT, HR, security and payroll departments are generally involved in the technical aspects of new employee orientation.
