For a new employee, the orientation program can either make them or break them. If not conducted properly, your new employees may lose their enthusiasm. Therefore, you should not miss these five key elements:
A Welcome Message
Everyone wants to get to the point in the business world, but sometimes, that makes us forget the need of hospitality towards our subjects. Therefore, don’t be stingy about celebrating your new recruits. You can do many things. For instance, you can send them a welcome letter, signed by all the executives. Or, you can schedule a luncheon or dinner. Ask your new employees to bring their family. It can strengthen their bond with the company and make them feel welcomed.
Your Mission, Core Values, and Work Culture
Your new employees must know your company’s mission, values, and work culture. Not only will it make them easier to adapt, but it will also give meaning to their job. But make sure that your message is delivered efficiently. For example, give each department a representative to tell the new employees about their purpose. All recruits, regardless of their placement, must be aware of what other employees do in different departments. Also, if you are not the founder of your company, then try to invite him/her to speak in the orientation program so that all the employees can understand the background of the company.
Employee Benefits
Before you jump to the duties, you’d better start with the benefits of working with you. Besides, your employees have the right to know their benefits. If you don’t tell them, you will be held liable by the law. And the lawsuit can be quite expensive. Health insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, retirement plan, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), paid leaves, working schedule flexibility, and education assistance are some examples of employee benefits that must be communicated during an orientation program.
Employee Policies
Now that the new recruits understand their benefits, you can talk about the rules/policies in your company. Make sure that your points are in compliance with the common laws of business in your area. And when you deliver the message, don’t sound like you are threatening them. As a matter of fact, you need to choose your words carefully. Consult your Public Relations expert on this matter.
Administration
The administration flow in your company must also be introduced during the orientation program. They have to know which departments to go to if they want to ask for a leave. And they must know who to consult if they have problems with colleagues. There are still many other conducts that require administrative works, depending on what your company is specialized in. Therefore, you should explain to your new recruits about your company administration in detail.
