The process of making new employees familiar with the present employees and practices of the organization is termed orientation or induction. All the activities of introducing a new candidate to the organization and his department involve the induction process.
Complete Process of Induction
The process of induction involves three stages:
1) General Orientation
In this stage, the main aim is to make the employee comfortable and motivate him to be serious during the orientation process so that he can easily become accustomed to the organization. Employees are also aware of the history, business objectives and processes of the organization. They also visit the whole organization to understand the business processes. Initially, classroom knowledge is given for Specific Joh Orientation a month and after that, he should be placed in their respective department as a trainee to know the processes and to understand the importance of each activity for the result.
2) Departmental Orientation
Now, the individual is introduced to the department where he has to work. There is a need for the new incumbent to be aware of his role, responsibility and the operating practices of the department.
The new employee should be made familiar with every activity of the department within a few months. During this process, he needs to build up a relationship with the seniors, colleagues and subordinates, after which he will be allotted a particular job.
3) Specific Job Orientation
The individual is provided with a particular assignment with a job description. The employee needs to know the method used for a specific job. The responsibility involved in that specific work has to be mentioned precisely to the newcomer, along with the role expectations. The superior, if necessary, should make use of a hand-holding approach to direct the individual on the job he has to do.
4 Important Methods of Induction
Induction training is imparted by using various methods. Some of them are as follows:
1) Online Orientation
It helps in delivering suitable and worthwhile material and easy notes to new appointees at any location and at any time. So, on the very first day, recruits can easily obtain current and updated information regarding the mission, vision, values and customs of the organization. They can also take part in interactive learning activities anytime from anywhere instead of waiting for the actual orientation programme to happen. The major benefits of this method are that there is no start date for the training for the candidates, consistency and continuity are maintained in providing orientation training, and it can provide orientation training to the workforce spread over different regions.
2) E-Mail
E-mail has become quite popular as a means of orientation, as it can pass on the initial message telling new appointees about how to take part in online orientation or weekly e-mails highlighting the history or culture of the organization.
3) Videos
It was popular earlier, but with the introduction to the Internet and the availability of online orientation, its use is decreasing day by day. Though making videos for orientation programmes is now considerably secondary, it can complement an orientation programme through watching corporate videos, television documentaries based on organization, company advertising or award presentations. Including video files in the online orientation programme is also gaining popularity quickly.
4) Orientation Kits
Orientation kits refer to a package of important resources in an easy-to-carry format. Despite the growth and popularity of online orientation, most organizations still give orientation kits to their new employees. The orientation kits can be as simple as a folder or an envelope or highly advanced, such as a briefcase or a customized carrier, etc. Items which are generally included in the orientation kit are as follows:
i) Welcome letter
ii) Employee handbook
iii) Personnel and their respective positions
iv) Process of accessing online orientation resources
v) Product brochures or samples
vi) List of local amenities.
Conclusion
Here, you know the complete process of induction with its detailed steps. Also, the methods of induction are online orientation, orientation kits, email, videos.