Jenae Kain
ORIENTATION PHASE On-The-Job Training
The orientation phase is the first step in on the
job training that introduces new employees to the company, colleagues,
expectations, policies, benefits, and safety. It provides new employees with
company-specific education, which is necessary no matter how experienced in the
field or with the company the new employee may be. “This kind of information
provides the "big picture" of the business to the new employee,”
(Mechling, What should be covered in orientation section, para. 1). By
presenting the company in orientation the new employee begins to feel
comfortable in the new environment and gets them started on the right foot,
which reduces turnover in the long run by developing committed employees.
OUTLINING EXPECTATIONS
Most often a thorough orientation is not
performed when a new employee is hired or new to a department. This may be for
several reasons including time constraints, lacking personnel to provide
orientation, or it may be perceived that the new employee is highly educated in
the field. Unfortunately, a company who does not provide an adequate
orientation is mostly hurting themselves. A new employee values a thorough
introduction to the company, job, and all fine details involved. Orientation
opens communication between the new employee and the company and builds a
platform for long-term success. The most beneficial aspect of orientation is
its ability to establish expectations of performance and define the importance
of the new employee’s contribution. This ensures that the employee is aware of
the expectations and works hard to meet them. During orientation the employer
can gain insight to the new employee’s skills and knowledge and can present to
them how they want those skills performed. By making these responsibilities
clear the new employees feels more prepared for the position, it helps to build
strong relationships and a prosperous future for the employee and the company.
POLICIES
Another part of on the job orientation
is to present the new employee with the code of conduct, disciplinary actions,
requirements, and other policies. By making these clear from the beginning of
employment the employee can confirm they understand the rules and should have
no potential problems with them in the future. Although many companies have
similar policies and ethical standards, if the new employee has any questions
or concerns this opens the door for them to ask at this time. Orientation plays
a large role in shaping employees for the needs, beliefs, and expectations of
the company by making performance standards and policies clear.
SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE
Orientation should also include a
portion on safety. Every company is different and safety concerns can vary
drastically between all areas of work, but it is critical to discuss these
safety concerns and how they need to be managed. In a manufacturing company for
example, there may be several physical safety concerns for workers. It is
important to make sure the new employee is aware of all of these, the
procedures to stay safe, and what to do if there is an issue. All of the
following are examples of what the new employee should be made aware of:
•
Hazardous Chemical Location &
Product Awareness
•
Eye Wash Station Location & Use
•
First Aid Room & Supplies
•
Fire Extinguisher & Use
•
Housekeeping – Trash, Workstation Clean
Up, Brooms, Gloves
•
Required Safety Areas (Hard hat, Eye
protection & Gloves)
•
Evacuation Procedure (fire & tornado
shelter)
•
Safety Equipment & Use (equipment
inspections)
•
Near Miss Reporting
•
Injury & Accident
Reporting/Procedure
•
Routine Safety Audits and Safety Training
Physical safety is very important and in
some areas of business it can be much more crucial, but safety isn’t
necessarily only a physical precaution, it often involves the use of technology
and access to private information. Security measures need to be set in place to
protect intellectual assets as well. “Information security policies identify
the rules required to maintain information security, such as requiring users to
log off before leaving for lunch or meetings, never sharing passwords with
anyone, and changing passwords every 30 days. The best way a company can
safeguard itself from people is by implementing and communicating its
information security plan.” (Baltzan, 2012, p.149) A business takes measures to
make sure its employees are safe in the workplace, but the business also needs
to take necessary actions to make sure employees keep the business safe from
information leaks, fraud, and unauthorized use.
COMPENSATION
A key factor in the on the job
orientation phase is to discuss compensation with the new employee. This may
include details on pay; raises or bonuses; security, retirement, health care,
financial, family, and time off benefits (Mathis & Jackson, 2011, p. 436);
attendance; vacation/ sick days and how they accumulate; and other perks like
continuing education and group discounts. Although many companies have similar
compensation packages, there are several details and paperwork involved when
covering compensation because every plan varies significantly depending on the
outside company who provides the benefits. Compensation plans should be
explained to the new employee during orientation, but it is necessary for them
to take home paperwork to read over and keep in their personal files. Many
factors are involved when covering compensation packages in orientation, but
ensuring that the new employee understands their benefits and the use makes
those benefits more valuable to them.
THE FORGOTTEN DETAILS
There are several minor details that an
employer may never believe to be of importance, but can make a significant
difference in the daily life at the company as a new employee. Simply things
like parking & building entrance, food and drink rules, lunch times, lunch
rooms, personal cell phone use, dress code, restrooms, vending machines, learning
the phone system, computer access, bulletin boards, birthday celebration’s, and
other norms in the company. All are details that a employer may not think to
mention and new employee may feel out of place asking. These details provide
the new employee with comfort, a sense of belonging, and all are useful
knowledge.
COMPANY TOUR & INTRODUCTION TO
COLLEAGUES
Lastly, of the main points covered in on
the job orientation is a tour of the company, the new employee’s workspace, and
other departments is essential for the new employee to feel comfortable in
their new work environment. As the tour proceeds, the new employee should be
introduced to several other colleagues they will be working beside or in
contact with in order to carry out their tasks. This tour and introduction
provides a smooth transition and again comfort for the new employee.
TAKE AWAY POINTS
Creating a valuable orientation
experience requires extensive planning and a collaboration of information and
ideas from several employees and departments within the company in order to
provide an educational overview for the new employee. The results of a
successful orientation are productive, motivated, long-term employees and a low
turnover rate for the company. As training follows orientation and is more
specific to the job, orientation also helps the employer to create training
strategies depending on the knowledge, skills, and comfort level of the new
employee. As Mechling of Ohio State University says, “Employee orientation and
training programs take time and effort, but will increase worker productivity,
decrease confusion, and increase satisfaction for both employer and employee,”
(Mechling, Conclusion section, para. 1).
WORKS CITED
Baltzan.
(2012). Business driven information systems 3rd
edition: The first line of defense- people.
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.
Jackson,
J. & Mathis, R. (2011). Human resource management 13th
edition: Figure 13.7 types of benefits. Mason, OH:
South-Western, Cengage Learning.
Mechling,
M. (n.d.). Ohio state university fact sheet. Orientation and Training of
Employees, Small business series. doi (CDFS-1380-96). Retrieved from
http://ohioline.osu.edu/cd-fact/1380.html
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