How long is an orientation? This question is common among employers and job seekers, especially after receiving a note on the orientation date. Orientation is a win-win activity for employers and their new employees.
It familiarizes the new hires with the company much more quickly, makes them comfortable, and builds their confidence in the new roles. Likewise, new hire orientation boosts employees' productivity. It also helps companies retain workers and build collaborative working teams.
But, the duration of the process is just as important as the activity itself. Human resource experts acknowledge that companies can reap significant benefits from thorough orientations. But, studies show that prolonged orientations make employees bored and increase employee turnover. That begs the question, how long does job orientation last. Keep scrolling for insights into the best way to answer the question.
What Is Job Orientation?
Job orientation entails all the activities that aim at welcoming and familiarizing a new employee. It offers all the essential information about the organization, its culture, mission, and vision. Job orientation equips new hires with all the knowledge and guidelines to fit into the organization, department, and team.
Many people mistake onboarding for orientation. While the two terms almost always involve introducing an employee to the organization, they differ. Employee onboarding is a more advanced, durable procedure. It ensures the new staff gets all the help they need to understand their role and be productive.
The onboarding process can go beyond one month, depending on the company. But, Orientation is a one-time event aimed at introducing the newly hired employees to the company. It helps them fit in swiftly, and understand their roles. The operation can take longer or shorter, depending on the company's size, culture, industry, and needs. Its activities include:
Introductions: This phase involves introducing the new hire to everyone in the company.
Business tour: It entails taking the newly hired employee through the company's background. These include the organization's policy, structure, goals, objectives, and procedures.
Paperwork completion: Every new employee must fill in some legal and financial papers before their hire. These include emergency contact numbers, W-4 forms, direct deposit information, etc.
Workplace safety practices: Every company and industry has its safety procedures and practices. A new employee will need to understand these processes before they assume duties.
Question and answer sessions: This process aims at answering all employee questions. They could be anything, from the company, their new post, the teams they'll be working with, and their department.
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What Is the Typical Orientation Process?
The main aim is to make the new employee comfortable and ready to assume their duties as soon as possible. Thus, every company follows a method that best communicates its culture and policy. The best procedure also prepares the employees to blend into their new working environment faster.
In less complex situations, the process typically takes a shorter time. It involves filing paperwork, discussing the benefits package, and addressing safety concerns. A thorough orientation will need more detailed procedures and stages. But in all situations, preparation is critical. Here are some steps to consider.
1. Pre-orientation Stage
This stage should come before the orientation date. It entails sharing packaged information with the newly hired employee email. This package can include a virtual tour of the company, its objectives, vision and mission statement, and annual report. Some managers also include a checklist of what your physical orientation will entail.
The pre-orientation stage helps your employee relax and feel comfortable on their first day at work. Also, the process helps them prepare their questions and set their expectations.
2. Job-site Introduction
Give the new staff information about your company culture, future goals, customer base, and strategic plans. Also, take your new employee through the company to see the equipment, and meet their new workmates, manager, and supervisor. If possible, introduce the employee to a mentor they can rely on, ask questions, and establish a close working relationship with.
3. Practical On-the-job Orientation
It's recommendable to give newly hired employees a chance to participate in real-job projects and do a follow-up on their process. That helps in boosting their confidence and makes the familiarization process much easier and faster.
4. Safety Policy Reviews
Introduce the new employee to the company's equipment. Also, inform them of any health and safety hazards and discuss how to remain safe. Talk about fire emergencies. Also, disclose the evacuation points and any job-related safety concerns.
5. Question and Answer Session
Once all processes are complete, dedicate some time to answering the employees' questions and concerns.
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How Long Is an Orientation on Average?
Like many employers, you may be asking yourself how long are orientations? The process can take three hours to a full working day, or three weeks. The best duration for your case depends on several factors. These include the complexity of the services in your company, the size of the organization, culture, and procedures.
For instance, the orientation process in Amazon or Google will probably take longer than in a small local convenience store. Still, proper preparation will make the orientation process much faster.
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What Are Some of the Tips to Keep in Mind during a New Job Orientation?
Orientation aims to bring long-term success to the employee's productivity at the company. Ensure that the employee feels comfortable, appreciated, and productive right from their first day. Some of the tips for a successful orientation include:
1. Keep Everything Simple
Avoid overwhelming the new employee with facts, figures, and new faces on the first day. Instead, provide the facility's map, glossary of its terms, the company and department structure, etc. for their referral.
Assigning a mentor will make it easy for the new employee to navigate and seek help where necessary.
2. Prepare Their Equipment Early
Don't let the orientation process halt any of the company's operations. Ensure the new employee's office, equipment, and any other needs are available beforehand to get this right. These items can include the employee's email account, laptop, or phone.
3. Plan for a Welcoming Lunch or Breakfast
A welcoming breakfast or lunch for all employees will ease the introduction process. Also, it boosts the new employee's confidence, sense of belonging, and worth.
4. Compile the Paperwork Beforehand
How long an orientation takes is a concern. That's because most employers want the task out of their diaries as quickly as possible. If you're one of these employers, then preparing the paperwork earlier will help you get the catch
5. Prepare Virtual Presentations
The company structure can be overwhelming for your employee on the first day. But, you can prepare them by sending a virtual presentation of the whole system. Include your objectives, culture, and everything else. This Microsoft PowerPoint template can help you build yours.
Final words on new hire orientations
New hire orientation is an excellent way for employers to achieve long-term success. But, "how long is an orientation" is a common concern for many people. There's no specific answer to the question. Still, the tips in this article can help you take the shortest time on the process.
Check out this new hire checklist before starting your next new hire orientation.