Many companies mix up the concept of the Onboarding and Orientation process. Though both the methods are different and subject to each other. If you look at the broader view, a new employee enters the company, and he is explained about the work culture, employee transition, and company business goals. These scenarios are a broader outlook. Although, when an employee is explained about his job and push further for better performance that is onboarding process.
The employee onboarding process is a systematic procedure to turn your newly hired employee to the great asset to the company. It involves the steps to make him understand the work culture, his duties, how his duties are essential for them, and what are his prospects in the company future. Onboarding process may take months of years. It is a long process and necessary for building a great workforce for the company. The companies use various methods to make their employees productive and working. They can also use the techniques for best employee of the month and by giving them goals. Hence Onboarding process for employees is an elaborative step taken by the company management to make their human resource fruitful.
While employees orientation is a part of the onboarding process, many companies mix up two concepts. They even use these concepts in conjunction with each other. However, onboarding and orientation of employees are two separate procedure. And orientation is part of the onboarding process. Employee orientation includes the introduction of the employees to the new company, their welcome ceremony, company work culture, future avenues, and company expectation. The orientation program is generally short and gives you a brief about the company.
Objectives of Onboarding
The companies use strategic ways to generate benefits from their workforce by offering incentives and awards. The main objectives of the onboarding process are-
- Retention of employees
- Development of workforce
- Increased productivity
- Better employee and management communication
- Betterment of employees and company
- Reduction in the employees’ replacement cost
The onboarding process is lengthy and time taking process. Along with the initial assignment, employees should be introduced to the work overall and how he can plan his future with the work in the company. Attending meetings, having a rapport with the clients, and taking part in the company incentive is an essential part of the onboarding process.
Objectives of Orientation Programme
On the other hand, the orientation process is single-time events that take place in the company when a group of new hires starts their work. The objective of the event is to:
- Introduce the company and essential officials to the new employees
- The company work culture
- The company policies about employment like leaves, communication pattern and work timings
- Company goals
- Benefits of working in the company
- Training requirement
- Confidentiality and vision of the company
The orientation process is a part of the onboarding process in the company. The programme is more like a welcome celebration for new employees and giving them a tour of the facility. The orientation process is essential for the employees as they understand the working system in the company. While the onboarding starts when new hires have started working and confirmed as permanent employees of the company after the probation period.