Starting a new job can be exciting and overwhelming, especially in the first week. There’s an influx of paperwork, training materials, company policies, and safety regulations, which can be a lot to handle. A new hire orientation program should make them feel welcome and set the tone for what they can expect in your organization. This will increase their likelihood of staying with your company. According to SHRM, 69% of employees who undergo an excellent onboarding process are more likely to stay with a company after three years. Employees’ first few days are crucial to determining whether or not your company is a good fit. Therefore, an excellent orientation process is essential.
We’ll cover best practices to make your new hires successful and leave a lasting impression.
What is New Hire Orentation?
New hire orientation aims to help new employees feel welcome, comfortable and prepared to contribute to the organization. The new employee typically receives information about the company’s history, mission, values, and goals during the orientation. They also learn about company policies, procedures, benefits, and any other important information related to their employment. This can include training on company software and tools, workplace safety, and security protocols.
Orientation can occur over a day, several days, or even weeks depending on the organization and the position. Overall, new hire orientation is an important part of onboarding and can help set new employees up for success in their new roles.
Automate Paperwork
We all know how tedious and time-consuming it can be to fill out the paperwork for new hires. To automate the onboarding experience, HR managers can use a variety of software solutions. For example, HR Information Systems like BambooHR can help automate the collection of new hire data, including personal information, employee history, and benefits enrollment. Therefore, employers should consider automating paperwork with software for new employees for several reasons:
- Efficiency: Automating paperwork with software can save time and streamline the onboarding process. It eliminates the need for manual data entry, printing, and mailing documents, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.
- Accuracy: It can reduce errors and inconsistencies with manual data entry. This can help ensure the new employee’s information is accurate and up-to-date.
- Compliance: It can help ensure that all necessary forms and documents are completed and filed correctly to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. This can help the employer avoid costly fines and penalties.
- Cost savings: It can save on printing, mailing, and storage costs.
- Improved employee experience: By streamlining the onboarding process and reducing administrative burdens, employers can create a more positive experience for new employees. This can help new employees feel welcomed and valued, increasing their engagement and retention.
Send a first day Itinerary in Advance
Email new hires a detailed itinerary to ensure a smooth first day. Include meeting times, materials to review, and any scheduled breaks. This will help them feel more prepared and informed about what to expect. As a result, it shows the company is organized, professional, and values its employees.
Here’s an example of how you can set up your itinerary:
9:00 AM – Welcome and Introductions: New hires are greeted by HR and introduced to their supervisor and team members. HR also goes over company policies, benefits, and other important information.
10:00 AM – Office Tour: New hires are given a tour of the office, including the break room, restrooms, and other essential areas.
11:00 AM – Technology Setup: IT departments set up new hires with the necessary technology, including computers, email accounts, and software access.
12:00 PM – Lunch with the Team: New hires enjoy a catered lunch with their supervisor and team members to get to know each other.
1:00 PM – Training: New hires receive training on company systems, processes, and procedures.
3:00 PM – Meet with the Manager: New hires meet with their manager to review job responsibilities, goals, and expectations.
4:00 PM – Wrap-up: HR checks in with new hires to answer any remaining questions and ensure a smooth transition.
This itinerary may vary depending on the company and the position. It’s essential to ensure new hires feel welcome and informed about their role and the company culture.
Create Interactive Training Materials
Creating interactive training materials can offer several benefits for both the company and the employees. First, interactive materials are more engaging than traditional training methods, such as lectures or reading materials. By using videos, interactive quizzes, and gamification, new hires are more likely to retain the information and become more invested in the learning process.
Additionally, interactive training materials can also be customized to meet the needs of the individuals new hires, allowing them to learn at their own pace and focus on areas where they need additional support. This can save time and resources for the company as well as increase the effectiveness of the training program. Ultimately, creating interactive training materials for new hires can provide a more engaging, effective, and efficient learning experience, leading to better job performance and employee satisfaction.
