QUERY: Can you provide an overview of a sound employee orientation training program?

RESPONSE: The following material is found in Ceridian's HR Compliance Reference System:

Orientation Training

New employee orientation training is crucial because it sets the tone for an employee’s career with the employer.  Orientation serves as an excellent time to introduce the organization to the employee in terms of culture, values, and goals, as well as to outline expectations and policies.

While some employers wait until they have a group of new employees before running an orientation session, such an approach may be a mistake, as delays can result in misconceptions and lack of productivity.  Therefore, it is generally recognized that orientation should be conducted as soon as possible and on a personal level. 

The following is a checklist of topics an employer may want to address in a new employee orientation program:

• Company history, philosophy, and an overview of the company’s purpose.
• Organizational charts.
• Industry overview. 
• Review of benefits package, including health insurance, vacation time, sick leave, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement.
• Summary of performance appraisal system such as how, when, and by whom employees are evaluated.
• Review of compensation procedures, including pay periods, direct deposit, and how and where to punch timecards or complete time sheets.
• How to schedule and what to expect during an employee physical, if required.
• Career development information, such as an overview of possible career paths and resource library offerings.
• Distribution of employee handbook, policies and procedures, medical provider books, company newsletter, and credit union brochures.
• How and where to obtain required items, such as identification badge, email account, computer password, pager, telephone, office supplies, and parking pass.
• A tour of the facility and an introduction to supervisor and co-workers.
• Technical and job-specific training or how to schedule it with appropriate supervisor.

As with all training, the orientation session should be well documented.  For example, a checklist may be used to indicate what was addressed during the session.  The checklist should be dated and signed by the individual responsible for the training, as well as the employees in attendance.