What topics should be included in employee orientation programs?

Employee orientation is your opportunity to make a first impression on your new hires—and since we all know what they say about first impressions, you want your employee orientation program to send the right message. If you think of employee orientation as the first-step in your long-term plan to prepare your new employees for their jobs, you’re on the right path, but it’s also your chance to tell your new employees that you’re glad they’re on your team and that you’re going to invest in their development.

Most companies do everything possible to make the presentation interesting and engaging, but one of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to employee orientation is “What topics should I include?” While the answer to this question is subjective, you can include as many—or as few—topics as you want in your employee orientation program. Here, we’ll go over some topics that you should definitely include, and then make a few suggestions for other items to include as well.

Most employee orientation programs start by welcoming the new employees to the workplace before moving on to outlining the company’s policies and basic practices. The best employee orientation programs clearly set expectations and help new employees become productive, while also keeping them excited about joining your team.

Here’s a list of basic topics you’ll definitely want to include in your employee orientation program:

1. Welcome message. Start out by giving new employees a brief introduction to your company and a tour of the workplace (this can include an overview of the company’s history, mission, values, and culture). You can even introduce them to their managers and co-workers. If the orientation is presented in person, you can walk with them through the facility. If the orientation is online, you can open the presentation with a video from the CEO or a supervisor and even include a virtual tour of the facility. It will help new hires to know exactly where they fit into the organization’s structure, so you might want to include an overview of the entire company, organized by department.

2. Compensation/benefits. Include all handouts your new employees need, including the employee handbook, details about pay periods, direct deposit, payroll deductions, health insurance, and any other benefits that are offered.

3. Paperwork. Orientation is the best time for employees to complete necessary paperwork, like I-9 forms, W-4 forms, direct-deposit information, and more. If your employee orientation is presented online, new hires can get through all the materials and fill out all the forms before their first day on the job.

4. Attendance/leave. At bare minimum, cover time off, sick days, expected hours of work, and absenteeism.

5. Safety/security. Safety and security procedures should be explained, including emergency procedures and exits, job-related safety issues, employee identification, parking information, and whatever else applies.

6. Conduct. All new employees need to be made familiar with the company’s rules and policies. This may include (but is not limited to) anti-harassment, dress code, computer and phone use, socializing with co-workers, and social media.

7. Training. Training can be included in the orientation program or it can be scheduled shortly thereafter (but don’t wait too long). Either way, make sure the expectations regarding completion and certification are clearly outlined.

Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list of possible orientation topics; it simply covers the most important areas that should definitely be included. Your orientation, whether it is presented in person or online, should be as customized and relevant to your company and your employees as possible.

If the above list isn’t enough, here are some additional things that can be added to your employee orientation program:

• Welcome videos from the CEO and/or the new hire’s immediate manager (these videos are perfect if the employee orientation is presented online or if certain executives can’t attend the scheduled in-person sessions)

• Personnel profiles featuring photos of the entire staff

• A map of the facility and parking lots

• A listing of nearby restaurants, coffee shops,etc.

• Q&A session

• Evaluation form

Remember, the purpose of employee orientation is to provide easy access to basic information, programs, and services, and prepare new employees to take an active role in the organization. Although it’s just one piece of a long-term investment in new employees, it’s an important piece and should be treated as such.