As usual, the session revolves around these areas:
- History of the company
- Company structure and their core businesses
- Mission and vision
- Various departments
- Games to get to know each others
- Visits to various departments
Within the respective departments, there will be another orientation for staff on the following:
- Working hours
- Rules and regulations
- Department culture
- Dos and don'ts
- Where things are kept
- Signing and issuance of necessary documents
- Assign a mentor or buddy
- On the job training
Of course the lists are not exhaustive.
The objective of orientation is to get the new staff settle into the new environment as quickly and comfortably as possible. Most importantly, not to break the rules.
I remember attending an orientation program when I joined a big organization many years back. There's the usual company stuff communicated to us. We played some games to get to know each other.
Many years later, the only memory I have of it is the person who was seated besides me and my mentor. Well, it's normal. Who bothers to remember boring stuff and head of departments (aren't they boring?).
It's not that orientation is useless but it is usually the first contact a new staff has with a company. You have a chance to make it different and unforgettable. How about having a Zumba or kick boxing session for your orientation?