People are the driving force in the research, product development and manufacturing efforts of a thriving bio-economy. As such, companies need to ensure that new hires are introduced to the organization in a way that is welcoming and informative.
Effective orientation provides new hires with the tools they need to find success in the work environment, while encouraging ways to contribute to the overall team.
On the first day of employment, the supervisor should meet with the employee to provide an adequate orientation that facilitates smooth adaptation into the work environment. The supervisor should cover the following items.
- Describe the general background of the company and its mission.
- Discuss the technical, quality, cost and schedule requirements of the employee’s job. Ensure the employee understands.
- Outline applicable personnel policies and regulations.
- Outline expectations for conduct and communication, objectives to be achieved, and how he or she will be evaluated for performance.
- Provide a written job description to the employee that describes the technical, physical and environmental attributes of his or her job.
- Provide the employee with a copy of the employee handbook.
- Have the employee sign a form acknowledging his or her understanding of the information provided and the receipt of an employee handbook.
- Encourage the employee to ask questions about any aspect of the job or the materials you have provided to him or her.
- Give a tour of the office facilities and introduce the new employee to other staff members.
Soon after orientation day:
- Arrange for the new employee to attend meetings with groups and individuals and provide those people with related information.
- Where appropriate, provide elevator, front door keys, office security system number, etc.
Common pitfalls to avoid:
- Avoid lengthy and “boring” presentations.
- Be prepared and do not keep the new employee waiting while trying to set up technical equipment.
- Be sure to provide the new employee with a workstation on his or her first day.
- Avoid a situation where the trainer or supervisor of the new employee is absent on orientation day. This leaves the employee with no proper orientation to the position, no assigned work, and nothing to do.
- Do not assign an unhappy and disengaged employee to provide the new employee with the first day on the job coaching.
The purpose of orientation is to create a good first impression, relieve anxiety, set expectations, encourage socialization and team building, and build identification with the employer. The supervisor should spend a portion of the first day providing an overview of company information and policy information, focusing on the key company policies and procedures that the employee must be aware of on his or her first day.
Newsletter Issue:
HR Microscope April 2015
