Orientation is the planned introduction of new employees to their jobs, co-workers and the organization. The purpose of a formal orientation program is to help new employees learn about their new work environment and get their performance up to acceptable levels as soon as possible. Through a well-designed orientation program, new employees learn important information about the company's business objectives, mode of operation, and internal culture. They are also able to ask key questions about the company.
Specifically, an orientation program aims to achieve the following:

• Create an initial favorable impression of the organization and its work
  
• Ease the employee's entry into the work group and enhance interpersonal relationships
  
• Reduce turnover. Research has proved that individuals who had been through formal orientation sessions had a lower turnover rate than those who did not.
  

Some of the other reported benefits of a good employee orientation are:

• Stronger loyalty and greater commitment to organizational values and goals
  
• Lower absenteeism
  
• Higher job satisfaction
  

Labour Force Group can assist you in the design and implementation of an effective orientation program; starting by determining the information and attitudes that the company would like to convey to new employees to designing the material used in the orientation - whether in PowerPoint presentation or information leaflets. We may also provide coaching in the preparation and delivery of orientation programs, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of the orientation system over a period of time.