Getting the Most Value from Employee Orientation

We all go the extra mile during the interview process to attract employees to our companies. We need to make sure we continue to make them feel welcome once they start. A well-planned orientation can effectively contribute to: 

· Length of employment

· Improved client relations

· Better work attitude and increased satisfaction

· More effective communication among the partners, managers and new employees

Here are a few ideas to help get your new employee off to a great start:

Before they start:

• Have their supervisor or a co-worker call the employee a few days before they start to say hello and that they are looking forward to having him aboard
• Make him aware of the dress code so he doesn’t walk in wearing a three-piece suit while the rest of your staff is in khakis and golf shirts
• Set up his workstation with basic office supplies, a computer, phone, etc. Have all computer and phone accounts set up for him. Make sure he has all necessary pass codes or keys needed to get around the office
• Order business cards in advance so they are ready on the employee’s first day

First day:

• Have him meet with a Human Resources representative to sign all appropriate employment papers (tax forms, I-9’s, confidentiality forms, etc.) and go over the Employee Manual. The HR rep should go over Rules and Regulations with the new employee
• Have the supervisor or a co-worker meet with the new employee to take him on the office tour and show him where he will be working. They should also introduce him to the rest of the team
• Provide a phone list with brief descriptions of who’s who in the department
• Provide training for using the phone and any special company systems
• Have the supervisor or a few co-workers take the new employee to lunch (or have a departmental lunch in the office)

These steps will go a long way toward making the new employee feel at ease and welcomed and will leave a very positive first impression.