by J Dawkins

Created on: August 29, 2007

Employee orientations set the tone for how a company is likely to treat an employee throughout the rest of their employment, so ensure that your orientation is comprehensive and empowers staff to do their job effectively.

1. Meet and greet

There is nothing more unprofessional and off putting to a potential employee than arriving on the day of their orientation to discover that the reception staff have not been informed that they are scheduled to attend. Ensure that simple communication occurs between the line managers and reception staff and make sure that someone is available to meet and greet the new employee when they arrive.

2. Site Tour

Whether you have a large sprawling site or small premises it's always helpful that as part of the employee orientation you conduct a site tour. This helps the employee get a feel for their surroundings and is also a great way of introducing them to other members of staff as they go around. This helps break the ice and other staff members will be able to look out for new members of staff if they see them wandering around. Take time to visit as many areas of the site as possible and ensure that key infrastructure is covered such as restroom facilities, conference areas, canteens and emergency exits.

3. Good Planning

Planning is key to any employee orientation to ensure that all critical aspects are sufficiently covered. Take time to plan a formal employee orientation document that covers areas such as site tours, emergency procedures, employee handbooks, health and safety issues and mentoring schemes.

Think of all the possible aspects of your business that a new employee will need to be familiar with and ensure those are covered in the plan. Consider asking newer members of staff what they would have found useful when they did their employee orientation.

Having a structured and planned approach to employee orientations will ensure that each person receives the same information. It also reduces the risk of claims against the organisation for failing to provide adequate health and safety advice.

4. Ensure the right staff deliver employee orientations

Employee orientations provide new staff with the first full flavour of the organisation so ensure the most approachable staff deliver them. Look for enthusiastic and sociable trainers and avoid employees who whilst experienced, may be overly negative and critical, as this will quickly demotivate new employees. Remember, new staff should leave an employee orientation feeling ready to start

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