Proper Employee Orientation Increases Retention

For years employers have suspected a link between new employee orientation programs and retention. Research over the last decade repeatedly confirms that organizations who conduct new employee training programs can not only expect decreased turnover rates, but happier, more productive employees.
 

Companies invest a great deal of time, energy and money to recruit talented people for their businesses.  It only makes sense that a portion of this time & money be allocated to new employee orientation programs as well.  A good orientation program can help employees feel welcome and part of the organization they have joined.

Employee orientation is an important aspect in not only welcoming and retaining newly hired employees but also increases their productivity.  By developing an effective new hire program, employees will develop a positive impression of your business and get up to speed faster.

It’s important that orientation programs are carefully planned to educate and inform employees not only about their role with the company, but also to help create awareness and understanding of the organizations values, culture, vision and objectives/mission. 

Here are some basic guidelines for a new orientation program: 

Welcome

Help the new employee feel welcome. Have a card signed by fellow employees, introduce the employee to coworkers, take the employee to breakfast or lunch.  

Company Introduction
Take the time to explain your organization's history, mission and philosophy of doing business.  “Nothing is more important to us than….”  

Acclimate the Employee

Help the employee feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Provide them with names, phone numbers and job titles.  

Productivity
Assist the employee in feeling productive by providing a work area that is set up and ready to use. Have supplies on hand and provide instructions on how to use phones and equipment.  Assign a mentor that can help along the way.  

Review Paperwork and Policies.

Review Employee Handbook,  I-9 and W-2 forms, job description and expectations etc…

Taking a few hours to orientate new employees to your organization can not only make a significant difference in how quickly a new employee becomes productive, but can also result in positive long term impacts for your organization.

Etiquette and the Speakerphone

Speakerphone etiquette is to respectfully consider that the person at the other end of the line may believe that this is a private conversation.

One must therefore observe proper protocol so as not to cause embarrassment to that person.

It could prove disastrous to all parties if the discussion is about a third person and that person happens to be present. The caller would talk less freely if it was known that a third person could hear both sides of the discussion.

So, speakerphone etiquette rule number one is – to always first obtain consent to put a person on to speakerphone.

• Advise them of who else can hear the conversation and whether that person is going to participate in the conversation.
• Then it will not come as a surprise to suddenly hear a third voice talking to them. This applies to conference calls as well.
• Speakerphones sometimes create an echo effect on the line, which can irritate and distract a caller.
• This is another reason to advise them that they are talking on a speakerphone.
• Speakerphones are a very convenient device, which have the added benefit of hands-free operation.
• This enables the performance of other physical activities at the same time such as sifting through papers pertinent to the discussion.
• Be warned, however that some activities will cause you to be listening with only ‘half an ear’.
• This is not good telephone etiquette as the caller can often hear the activity and detect that you are being distracted.

Speakerphone etiquette rule number two is – to have regard for anyone else that is present. This is irrelevant if you are home alone.

• But, in an office environment it can be a distraction to others present and even to the caller who would generally be able to hear other office activities such as phones ringing, people typing or just talking. 

Share these suggestions with your friends and colleagues and help make our world a more considerate place to live in.