Overview

What's in This Chapter?

• Discussion of the importance of new employee orientation

• Description of the target audience

• Explanation of how to use this book

Employees are an organization's most valuable resource, but the way most organizations welcome a new employee creates the opposite impression. Organizations often approach orientation as an afterthought. Others spend thousands of dollars and a great deal of time and effort on slick PowerPoint presentations, multiple guest speakers and voluminous employee handbooks, all of which leave the new employee dazed, anxious and overwhelmed. Why do they do that?

For starters, the typical new employee orientation programme is boring. Like many other traditional training programmes, it is presenter-centred and lecture-driven, with little or no opportunity for participant interaction. That approach is characterized by too many facts, figures and faces packed into a few hours. And when the new employee finally gets to the actual work site, it's obvious no one is prepared for his or her arrival.

The orientation programme really is the employee's first exposure to the organization; therefore, it should be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Because it sets the tone, this programme needs to be a priority item. A thoughtfully planned and delivered programme helps the employee's transition, prompts him or her to feel good about the organization and ignites excitement and enthusiasm. The focus should be on helping to integrate the new employee into the organization and to begin building relationships.

Organizations that skimp on orientation programmes not only shortchange the employee; they...