Orientation define
What is Orientation? Orientation is a term frequently associated with the HR (Human Resources) domain. It is an indispensable aspect of the employment cycle, onboarding, and within the employment context, it refers to the structured process of introducing new employees to their job, the culture of the organization, and the broader expectations and dynamics of the company they’ve just joined. But why is orientation so crucial, and what are its main components? To truly grasp its significance, we need to dive deeper into its objectives, stages, benefits, and the consequences of its absence or inefficiency.
Definition of Orientation in HR (Human Resources)
Orientation, sometime knowns as Induction, is essentially a process or program through which new employees are integrated into a company. Orientation also plays a key part in the process of Onboarding which sometimes may take a number of months. Orientation process helps new workers to understand their roles, familiarize themselves with the company’s environment, get to know company’s values, and meet their colleagues. The ultimate objective of orientation is to ensure that employees not only adjust to their new workplace environment but also become productive and engaged members of the organization as soon as possible.
Stages of Orientation
Orientation is not just a one-off event; it often encompasses various stages, which might include but not limited to:
- Pre-employment Induction: Even before the official working start date, the process of integrating an employee can begin. This process is also known as an Induction. Induction might involve sending the new hire relevant company literature including but not limited to history of the organisation they are about to join, company policies and site safety procedures.
- First Day Formalities: This includes a welcome session, company tour, introduction to immediate team members and administrative tasks.
- Functional Orientation: Here, employees dive deeper into their job roles. They might receive training on specific tools they’ll use or be introduced to standard operating procedures relevant to their job.
- Cultural Orientation: Workshops, seminars, and informal meet-ups where the company’s cultural values, mission and broader vision are communicated.
- Feedback and Evaluation: At the end of the orientation period, feedback sessions are vital to understand the new hire’s experience and to make necessary improvements to the orientation process are made. Remember all feedback is valuable.
Benefits of a well planned Orientation Program
A well planned orientation program can provide numerous benefits to both employer and employee. It can help:
- Increase employee engagement
- Improve employee morale
- Reduce employee turnover, increasing employee retention
- Enhance productivity
Technological Advances and Orientation
With the rise of digital tools and platforms, and surge in remote work, many companies have moved towards digital or hybrid style orientation programs. For example Worker Inductions are now mainly carried out using an online induction provider Induct For Work. Setting up your company inductions online is relatively a simple task, but assistance is provided, should it be required.
In Conclusion
In an ever evolving corporate landscape, it’s imperative for organisations to continuously assess and update their orientation programs, ensuring that they remain effective and relevant.
