Adapted from Supervisor Legal Update.
Research shows that strong orientation – or “onboarding” – programs for new employees are best conducted by first-line supervisors, and are a key in developing loyal, long-term, productive workers.
To test your knowledge of the best approaches to orientation, respond True or False to the following:
(Answers below)
1. It’s best to avoid presenting job expectations to new employees early on, since doing so will only put pressure on and overload them too soon.
2. A good orientation program lasts at least six months.
3. One successful approach involves presenting new employees with a “test,” by giving assignments accompanied by little or no direction. The results will show the degree of independence you can grant to the employee in the future.
Answers
1. False. New employees tend to succeed more when they immediately understand the job expectations. For best results, provide expectations at three-month increments, to allow yourself chances to adjust to changes.
2. True. Most of the studies on the subject indicate that some sort of orientation should last at least six months. Of course, you’ll probably give out less and different kinds of orientation information as the program progresses, but still, some onboarding should continue for at least 180 days.
3. False. A lack of early direction leads to frustration for new employees, and is a quick path to early failure – and quitting.