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BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
New employees are
often so pleased with the prospects of the new job, they may not recall all
of the information they discussed during the hiring process.
Orientation is the key
to a better start and a happier, more productive employee. This is an
opportune time to provide new employees with information that will ease the
transition into the workplace and inspire them to have a good attitude
towards the company and their new job.
Generally the
employee’s orientation should cover three key areas:
-
A
general orientation - meet the company
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A
departmental orientation - meet the team, and
-
A
specific job orientation - here is how you fit in.
When new employees are
well informed at the outset, they are better prepared to take on their new
responsibilities and are not as likely to take up valuable time of other
personnel unnecessarily.
Starting Out
Right
A well-planned
orientation program avoids potential miscommunication and lost productivity
and helps the new employee adapt to the new job and workplace faster.
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Plan and
prepare an orientation schedule for the employee’s first day.
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Indicate
the time and locations of meetings with other staff, their titles,
departments, local telephone numbers and the expected length of each visit
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Provide
each of these individuals with a copy of this schedule so they are well
prepared to help the new employee learn about the company and its people.
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Schedule
time for completing and signing documents for income tax purposes, health
benefits and other employment matters. Make sure the employee’s SIN,
address, and résumé are on file.
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Make
sure the new employee’s work area is equipped with the tools needed to do
the job.
The Company
-
Provide
a brief overview of the company, including the company’s history, its
products and services, the management structure, the competition, and the
company’s strategies and goals. If possible, have a chart available that
shows how the company is set up and includes photographs of the key
personnel and their titles.
-
Provide
information about the company’s customers, suppliers and any other parties
with which the company interacts.
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Consider
matching the employee with a mentor in the workplace to turn for information
or to discuss any difficulties.
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Discuss
the daily operations and matters such as staff meetings, hours of work, time
cards and lunch breaks.
The Tour
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Take the
employee on a tour of the company to familiarize him or her with the various
areas, staff, and equipment.
-
Introduce the employee to co-workers and provide information about their
positions, career background and personal interests.
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Point out any areas that are restricted for administrative, security or
safety reasons.
Administrative
-
Explain the
administrative details of the employment, such as the pay period, company
benefits, statutory holidays and vacation time
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Explain
the company’s policies on staff development, advancement, salary/wage review
and sick leave.
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Discuss
the probationary period and clarify aspects of the job and expected
performance.
-
If it is
a contract position, ensure that the employee signs the contract.
-
If the
employee is to receive salary plus commission, put the commission rate in
writing.
Training
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Schedule
the employee for any training that must be taken to meet business,
production or safety requirements.
-
Make sure the employee is aware of all safety regulations in the building
and the procedures that must be followed in an emergency.
-
Ensure
the employee is aware of the safe and proper use of any equipment that is
required for the job as well as any safety equipment that must be worn.
Most employees start a
new job with some anxiety about meeting their new co-workers and measuring
up to their new job duties and expectations. While a good orientation
program takes time and effort, it is an important investment. A well planned
orientation can ensure a smooth transition, avoid miscommunication, and
ultimately reduce staff turnover.
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