Hiring and Staffing
New Hire Orientations
Our recent survey on employee orientations,
which is by no means scientific, does give an idea of what companies may be doing
to orientate their new hires. Due to the low response rate yet high traffic, the
survey will be extended. The purpose of the survey is to provide HR professionals
with useful information on orientations, that is not otherwise available on the Web.
Please complete the survey if you have
not already done so.
Respondants reported that they provided some type of orientation for new hires.
While there is agreement that orientations are useful tools, the results
indicated that orientations were considered only somewhat effective.
Reasons given for performing orientations are to:
- disperse accurate information
- relieve anxiety
- set the workplace tone
- provide avenues for asking questions
Most orientations covered a company overview, policies and procedures, benefits,
safety information, and a workplace tour.
Respondants reported that their company tended to familiarize new hires in a
group setting, where the human resources department conducts the initial
orientation. Subsequent orientations and follow ups were performed by the
immediate supervisor. Most held orientation on the starting date of the
new hire. Only 60% used an acknowledgment form.
For those interested in revamping their orientation process, the
SOHO Guidebook
offers a basic, but thorough, outline on what information to
cover and when to cover it. The outline breaks down the process to avoid
information overload on the new hire. It allows the new hire to be immersed
into the work environment at a comfortable and effective pace.
I would like to thank all those who participated. I am interested in providing
more information (samples) on online orientation sources and intranets.
Please send me the URL and a brief
description of any known orientation sites. If you are currently using
an intranet to orientate your employees and would like to share your ideas,
please let me know.
