What is Job Orientation? (with Purpose & Preparation)

Curious about what is job orientation? Want to know why new employees go through Employee Orientation Program?

Then the first thing you need to understand here that job orientation is a process used for introducing new hires in an organization to their jobs, workplace, the ambiance around, co-workers, associated responsibilities, etc.

In another way, you can understand job orientation as the very first step towards developing a constructive relationship between an employer and employee. This post will take you deep into the world of what is job orientation and how it gets channelized in an organization. So, let us start exploring straight away-

Table of Contents

What is job orientation?

Whenever an employee gets hired into a company, he or she needs an introduction to the fundamental practices and general functioning of the company. This introduction, given to him, is known as job orientation.

During orientation, an organization makes constructive maneuvers to enable the employees to get familiarized with the organizational setup and their roles.

Now, some people get confused in between job onboarding and job orientation, so let us clear that out first-

Difference between Job-onboarding and Job-orientation

The terms onboarding and orientation are often used synonymously.

Note that orientation is a one-time event at the joining of a fresh hire while onboarding refers to the process from the first contact of the person till he becomes a regular employee.

Effectively, orientation is a part of onboarding.

Purpose of job orientation – Why Job Orientation is important?

If you are an employee, you will be first told about the functioning of the company and the overall work culture. Consider this as your mini-introduction.

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Then, you will be told about your responsibilities and tasks to be undertaken by you. You will be given the required guidance to do them. Consider this as mini-training.

You will also be given a mini-tour of the office, which is necessary as it will be your new place of work. All of this, when put together adequately, serves the purpose of the orientation process if you are an employee.

For the employer, the purpose of the job orientation is to allow the employee to become familiar with the company and comprehend the functioning of your company.

So, to summarize the purpose of the orientation process-

Allow the new hires to understand and adapt to their new work environment.
Complete the legal formalities
Letting the hires know the necessary and essential company policies
Preparing the new hires to take on their new job

How should Employers conduct job Orientation sessions?

What should an employer remember when giving his new hire an orientation session? Below is given an essential checklist-

1. Administrative support

1. Some forms like the employee acknowledgment and consent form, background check form, direct deposit form, W-4 form, etc. are needed to be filled. Ensure the new hires fill them and help them if they require it.
2. Explain the routine procedures like the use of security tokens, applications for leave, placing orders, etc.
3. Help the new hires have their identity card, badge, business card, etc. according to their choice and company codes.
4. If required and applicable, provide the employee with their uniform.

2. Overview of the company policies and work-culture

1. Provide the employees with information about the company practices regarding work from home, sick leaves, paid time off, vacation, data security, etc.
2. Give information about day-to-day functioning like working hours, lunch breaks, etc.
3. Give information about perks provided to the employees like health insurance, mobile plan reimbursement, training program guide, performance bonuses, etc.
4. Explain to the employees the employment agreement terms and take signatures on the necessary paperwork like a non-disclosure agreement, confidentiality agreement, non-compete agreement, etc.

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3. Office- tour

1. Walk the new hires through the office and let them know about the location of each department.
2. Introduce them to their team leader, the HR team, the IT department, and the office manager.
3. Introduce the new hires to all the associated teams.
4. Help them set their desk and work-station.
5. Assign to them an experienced colleague or mentor to help them for the first few days at the job.

How should employees prepare for Job Orientation sessions?

1. Confirm

Call ahead of the session for its confirmation also, whether any specific requirements are requested for the session.

2. Dressing

Dress in formal clothing unless a specific dress code is recommended. Don’t end up looking too conventional or too shabby.

3. Leave for the session early

Remember that you will have to find the location, find a parking spot, and then find the appropriate individual or supervisor for the session. Plan your time accordingly. In any case, don’t arrive late on the very first day!

4. Writing material

Bring along a notebook and a pen to jot down the critical information during the session.

5. Personal information

You might have to fill up several forms during the session. Make sure you have all the personal information, ID numbers, bank account details, or the other relevant pieces of information.

6. Snack

You never know how long the session will run. Bring along something to munch on in your free time so that you don’t get all worn out and exhausted if the day goes long.

7. Inquire

Take the initiative and ask your mentor about the upcoming developments regarding your side, like job training or further orientation sessions.

Final Thoughts!

Orientation is an essential first step while starting a new job.

If the employer and the employee both undertake it efficiently and seriously, it will help the employer to be successful at the job as well as the employee to increase his/her profits.

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What is your definition of job orientation?

Do you find employee orientation programs beneficial for the employees? Share with us in the comment section below.