Employee Induction,

Orientation &
Socialization

Orientation (Induction)
Sometimes this
proverb is stated: A
journey of a thousand
miles begins with a
single step.
And taking that first
step of the journey is
the simplest one but,
at the same time,
often can be the most
challenging, often
fearful.
It can be a step into
the unknown

Orientation (Induction)
.

We must all know that after a candidate

joins the firm, the first step he or she goes
through is the firms orientation/induction
program.
Orientation or Induction is the first
important step in the process of human
resource management.
It involves familiarization of the newly
appointed employees to the work
environment of the organization as well as
to the fellow employees.

Orientation (Induction)
.

Induction is a socializing process by

which the organization seeks to make an
individual its agent for the achievement of
its objectives.
The new employees should be oriented to
the organization and to its policies, rules
and regulations.

Objectives

..Induction serves the following

purposes:
.

A.

Removes fears

A newcomer steps into an organization as a stranger.

He is new to the people, workplace and work
environment.
He is not very sure about what he is supposed to do.
Induction helps a new employee overcome such
fears and perform better on the job.
It assists him in knowing more about:
The job, its content, policies, rules and
regulations.
The people with whom he is supposed to
interact. .

Objectives ..Induction serves the

following purposes:
.
B. Creates a good impression:
Another purpose of induction is to make the newcomer feel at
home and develop a sense of pride in the organization.
Induction helps him to:
Adjust and adapt to new demands of the job.
Get along with people.
Get off to a good start.
. Through induction, a new recruit is able to see more clearly as
to what he is supposed to do, how good the colleagues are,
how important is the job, etc. He can pose questions and seek
clarifications on issues relating to his job. Induction is a positive
step, in the sense; it leaves a good impression about the
company and the people working there in the minds of new
recruits. They begin to take pride in their work and are more
committed to their jobs.

Objectives ..Induction serves the

following purposes:
.

C. Act as a valuable source of

information:
Induction serves as a valuable source of
information to new recruits.
It classifies many things through employee
manuals/handbook. Informal discussions
with colleagues may also clear the fog
surrounding certain issues.
The basic purpose of induction is to
communicate specific job requirements to
the employee, put him at ease and make
him feel confident about his abilities.

Induction or Orientation Program Is designed

to achieve the following objectives : -

To build up the new employee's confidence in the

organization and in himself so that he may
become an efficient employee.

To develop among the newcomers a feeling of

loyalty towards the organization.

To foster a close and cordial relationship among

the employees.

To ensure that the new employees do not form a

false impression and negative attitude towards
the organization or the job.

To give the employees the necessary information

like facilities, rules etc about the organization.

Steps In Induction Program

The HR department may initiate the following steps while
organizing the induction program:
Welcome to the organization
Explain about the company.
Show the location, department where the new recruit will
work.
Give the company's manual to the new recruit.
Provide details about various work groups and the extent
of unionism within the company.
Give details about pay, benefits, holidays, leave, etc.
Emphasize the importance of attendance or punctuality.
Explain about future training opportunities and career
prospects.
Clarify doubts, by encouraging the employee to come out
with questions.
Take the employee on a guided tour of buildings, facilities,
etc. Hand him over to his supervisor.

Content : The areas covered in the employee

induction program may be stated as follows :

Induction Program: Topics

1. Organizational issues
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

History of company
Names and titles of key executives.
Employees' title and department.
Layout of physical facilities
Probationary period
Products/services offered
Overview of production process
Company policy and rules
Disciplinary procedures
Safety steps
Employees' handbook

2. Employee benefits
o
o
o
o
o
o

Pay scales, pay days

Vacations, holidays
Rest pauses
Training Avenues
Counseling
Insurance, medical, recreation, retirement benefit

Content : The areas covered in the employee

induction program may be stated as follows : (cont..)

3. Introductions
o
o
o
o

To
To
To
To

supervisors
co-workers
trainers
employee counselor

4. Job duties
o
o
o
o
o
o

Job location
Job tasks
Job safety needs
Overview of jobs
Job objectives
Relationship with other jobs

Source: Keith Davis, Human Resources, pg

257.

There are some other innovative

methods that can be tried
Have a walkabout arranged, showing the facilities,
cabins, exits, washrooms, cafeteria, library, while
introducing them to people along the way!

Add another badge to their employee-card which

may read
"I am new, so were you! So please help me" or
"I am willing to learn, Are you willing to teach" or
"I have joined here to help our organization grow"
or
" I am the newest member of the family
you can take the badge from them after 1 month

There are some other innovative

methods that can be tried (cont..)
Have a corporate video made and
presented, that contains the job that
you do, welcome note from the board
and the heads, testimonials by
employees etc!! This has a really good
impact since many times the
management may not be available!
Have bouquets organized for them,
which shows appreciation!

The Induction and orientation training

programs benefits are explained below:

A.

Benefits to the company:

It creates a positive perception of the organization and

an understanding of the corporate culture, values,
vision, mission and goals.
It can set a precedent for ongoing training, by showing
the employee that the organization is serious about
developing his skills to perform his job competently.
It can also helps in motivating the existing employees
who are included in the process.
A good induction program can also help in cutting
down recruitment costs as new staff is more likely to
give longer term commitment to the organization.
Can benefit from the insights, objectivity and fresh
ideas of a new employee. A new employee can also
give insights onto how the company is perceived
externally.

The Induction and orientation training

programs benefits are explained below:
B) Benefits to employees:

Feel welcomed and comfortable (building

relationships)
It confirms the employee's decision to join the
organization.
It helps to build self-esteem, morale and motivation.
It establishes good communication and relationship
between the employee and his supervisor from the
first day.
Makes the employee familiar with the corporate
environment, rules, systems and regulations.

There are some other innovative

methods that can be tried
1) Have a walkabout arranged, showing the
facilities, cabins, exits, washrooms, cafeteria,
library, while may be introducing them to people
along the way!
2) Add another badge to their employee-card
which may read
"I am new, so were you! So please help me" or "I
am willing to learn, Are you willing to teach" or "I
have joined here to help our organization grow"
or " I am the newest member of the family"
you can take the badge from them after 1 month