What is job orientation?

Newly hired employee orientation typically takes place on the first day of a new job, providing the employee with basic organizational information they need to understand their new team, department, and role within the company.

Effective New Hire Orientation:

• Communicates company policies and expectations
• handles necessary paperwork
• Answer any questions or concerns
• Preparing new employees for the transition to their new role

Experts recommend creating a standardized, company-wide process for onboarding new employees. This not only ensures that all new employees have a consistent experience, but it also helps reduce the stress on managers and training personnel, allowing them to remain productive in their day-to-day work while also keeping new hires on task.

Do you get paid for orientation?

Yes - orientation for new employees typically begins on the first day on the job. Because of this, employees are typically paid their agreed-upon salary or wage for the time spent during training.

Some companies may offer bonuses or other incentives after an employee completes orientation or onboarding milestones. Since there are costs involved in training new employees, it's important to create a streamlined process that welcomes new coworkers and empowers them to become comfortable and productive as quickly as possible.

How long is the orientation?

Typically, a new employee's orientation   will take no more than about three hours  or  one full work day .

However, the exact amount of time to spend on new employee orientation varies from organization to organization. Different industries also require different levels of training and briefing before new employees can fully participate in their responsibilities.

Orientation vs. Onboarding

Newhire orientation is part of the broader onboarding process, but the two activities are not interchangeable.

Orientation  begins on the first day of work and includes first-day introductions and information.

Onboarding  begins the moment a candidate accepts their offer, includes orientation, and covers a longer transition period. In short, orientation is a  part of onboarding  , but they are not the same thing.

» Learn more:  What is onboarding in HR?

Why Orientation Is Important for New Employees

New employee orientation is important because it marks the beginning of the relationship between employee and employer. Ideally, the first day of work will confirm the new employee's decision to join an organization.

Orientation also sets the rest of the onboarding process up for success. By clearly communicating expectations, policies, and responsibilities, HR professionals and managers will prepare new employees for the lengthy training period that follows. A thorough and engaging orientation can also reduce turnover caused by misunderstood or unmet expectations. Finally, a clear policy for new employee orientation ensures that all new team members receive the same training and information.

When new employees are equipped with the necessary information on day one, they’re more likely to transition smoothly into their new role.

New Employee Orientation Ideas

• Don’t overwhelm new employees with facts, figures, flowcharts, and new people on the first day.
• Make sure new employees have a fully equipped office and equipment (e.g., phone, laptop, email account, etc.).
• Pair new employees with a “buddy” who will answer their questions and show them how everything works.
• Make the day special by planning a lunch outing with the team and providing a welcome kit that includes a company t-shirt or other gift.
• For employees working on-site, provide tours of the office site, a list of nearby restaurants or amenities, and other pointers to local landmarks.
• Share company terminology.
• Provide an organization chart and discuss how the employee's own responsibilities fit into the larger company structure.
• Invite new employees to submit ideas for improving current processes, including the hiring itself.
• Assign new employees one or two simple projects to start with.

Tip: Create an orientation checklist for new hires

The new  employee orientation checklist  describes a formal orientation process that ensures each new employee receives an adequate introduction to the company, meets the right people, and has the right tools to become a productive employee.

We recommend that you complete any paperwork before orientation so you can make the most of your time. For example, HRMantra offers a self-service platform that employees can navigate independently, including automated reminders that ensure all paperwork is completed on time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orientation

What is job orientation?

Employee orientation is the process of introducing new employees to their jobs, co-workers, responsibilities, and workplace. Effective new employee orientation answers any questions or concerns new co-workers may have; makes them aware of company policies and expectations; and eases them into the lengthy onboarding process for their new positions.