What is an Orientation?
Orientation refers to the process of introducing new employees, members, or participants to an organization, institution, or specific role. It is designed to provide them with the necessary information, resources, and understanding to adjust effectively to their new environment. The goal of orientation is to help individuals feel welcome, understand their roles, and become familiar with the organization’s culture, policies, procedures, and expectations.
In the context of employee onboarding, orientation often includes activities such as:
- Introduction to the Company: Sharing the company’s history, mission, values, and goals.
- Job-specific Training: Teaching new hires about their specific duties and responsibilities.
- Overview of Policies and Procedures: Explaining the company’s rules, regulations, and expectations regarding behavior, safety, and performance.
- Team Integration: Introducing new employees to colleagues, managers, and key departments.
- Setting Expectations: Clarifying goals, performance standards, and potential growth opportunities.
Overall, orientation is a critical part of helping new employees feel confident, supported, and aligned with the organization’s values and objectives.
How HR teams use this term
HR teams usually use Orientation when they write policies, explain employee communication, review payroll or leave records, or keep employee data clean in an HRMS.