Whenever a new employee is hired in an organization, it becomes essential to make him part of that organization.This requires, making him familiar with all the entire functioning of the organization, its employees, his role and responsibility etc.

So, employee orientation can be defined as the process of introducing a new employee to the organization and making him part of the work force. It’s an organized way of educating and sharing all the essential information about the organization as well as the work role and other benefits to the new employee.

Basically, employee orientation can be divided into two distinct components .First part of orientation, deals with imparting knowledge about organization ,its mission and objectives, its policies,expectations, general responsibilities, hierarchy level etc.while the second part of orientation deals with employee issues like its job responsibilities, company’s expectation, incentives, benefits, compensation, working hours, etc.

Every employee whether he is experienced or fresher needs to be made comfortable in the new environment.He needs information in detail about his job, his expectations, organization’s policies, mission and objective of the organization, work culture and many other information. All these information’s makes him confident and helps him to settle down soon and work towards his goal.

An employee orientation programme is conducted at the work place (organization).It helps in shaping the future of the new employee. This programme is introduced to the new employee as soon as he joins the organization. This is because, when he is fresh and new to the organization he accepts and learns without being bias.However, when he becomes few days old, then the new employee forms an image about the organization and the work place .He has his own set of information from his personal observation and interactions with his colleagues or boss. So, implementing employee orientation programme, during this stage is not very effective.

Depending upon the size and nature of business, employee orientation may vary from few hours to few weeks. Employee orientation is beneficial for both, the employee as well as the employer. Therefore, organizations should not rush and treat it as time wasting process.In fact; organizations should spend enough time with their new employees in educating and sharing all the important information. It’s very important to communicate and clear all the doubts in the minds of the new employees. The interaction should be direct and should not have any communication gap. It’s always worth, devoting a reasonable amount of time to complete the orientation.

So, while imparting employee orientation, organizations must give their new employee’s chance to clear their doubts .It should be a two way communication process. He should also be given an opportunity to share his views and knowledge . Based on his past experience or personnel experience, there are chances that he may give new ideas which are beneficial to the organization.

Some factors to be kept in mind while implementing employee orientation programme are

• Provide sufficient time for the programme
• Choose a separate room for sharing organizational and other information with the new employee.
• Share all information related to him and organization. Opt for handouts.
• Introduce him to all departments, his colleagues and subordinates.
• Visit to the shop floor area.
• Answer his query.
• Avoid disturbances in between the programme

An employee orientation has numerous benefits on its new employees. The most important one is that employee orientation provides a platform to its new employees to settle down more quickly. It helps to reduce stress and boosts confidence in them . This in return , helps them to adapt to the new environment. It also makes them clear about their job responsibilities ,duties and expectations .This enables them to have role clarity and perform better.

As the new employee starts performing effectively, management comes to know about his interpersonal skills with his other team members . It also helps in knowing about his other skills like technical skills which he may have hired or learnt from his past job experience. Thus, employee orientation helps the management in assessing the new employee’s ability.

Every employee has their own style of working. So,as the new employee settles down fast and starts performing, it may help the management to come cross certain new style or skill of their new employees which are more effective and productive. This in turn helps the management to take the advantage of the same and implement them to avail its benefits.

Orientation, provides clarity to its new employees in terms of his job profile.So, the new employees becomes familiar with the new environment and settle down more quickly . They start carrying their job responsibility much early as compared to new employees who not undergo orientation. Thus, employee orientation helps to save various direct and indirect costs associated with new employees who are unfamiliar with their organizations.

Almost all the employees have a set of common questions, when they join any new organization.However, management programmes like employee orientation helps to save time of the manager or the supervisor.

Employee orientation imparts knowledge about the organization and the employee’s job responsibilities and duties. This helps in establishing a positive attitude towards work and organization as well. This thus helps in building satisfied and hence, loyal employees. This in return helps in employee retention and reduces the probability of employee turnover.

A satisfied and loyal employee also helps in building a good image and reputation of the organization in the market.

Employee orientation also helps in developing and practicing an effective work practice .This in turn contributes towards, long term benefits for the employee as well as the organization.

Usually a new employee is derived of various benefits until the successful completion of his orientation programme.Thus; this helps the organization to save its money.

Employee orientation helps new employee to spend quality time with his related manager, supervisor, subordinates and colleagues.Thus, this enables them to understand each other and form cordial working relationship amongst them.

All said and done, after successful implementation of employee orientation programmes, its essential for management to review the information gained by the new employee. That is, follow up is done to ensure exactly what the new employee has understood and if, there is still any doubts or queries in his mind.