HR Happenings

January 2005

Your Role in New Employee Orientation

Effectively orienting new employees to the Institution and to their positions is critical to establishing successful, productive working relationships. An employee's first interactions with WHOI should create a positive impression of all departments and the Institution.

As a Department Manager or Administrator, Hiring Supervisor, or Co-worker, you play an important role in the orientation process. Below are some things to consider when planning an orientation.

An effective orientation should:

•  Foster an understanding of the Institution's culture, its values, and its diversity.

•  Help the new employee make a successful adjustment to his/her new job.

•  Help the new employee understand his/her role and how it fits into the department and the Institution.

•  Help the new employee develop a positive working relationship by building a foundation of knowledge about the Institution's mission, policies and procedures, and its structure.

Here are some suggestions to keep in mind when you are planning ahead for the arrival of a new employee in your department:

•  Notify appropriate contacts of the employee's start date.

•  Make sure the employee's work location is available, clean, and organized.

•  Make sure an appointment has been scheduled with HR for check-in and benefits overview, if applicable.

•  Put together a list of key people the employee should meet.

•  Arrange for parking, keys, and an email account.

The first day on the job:

Remember that a new employee may be anxious about starting a new job. Try to create a comfortable environment and remember not to overwhelm the new employee with too much information on the first day. Orientation is a continuing process, even outside of HR, so there will be plenty of time to give the employee all the necessary information. On the first day you should:

•  Give a warm welcome and try to reduce any nervousness the new employee may feel.

•  Give a tour and introduce the employee to appropriate staff members within your department.

•  Explain where rest rooms are located.

•  Provide required keys.

•  Go over telephone, email, and internet use.

•  Review department policies and procedures.

The time spent planning for a new employee's first days and weeks on the job will greatly increase the chance for a successful start!

The Human Resources Team is pleased to announce the roll out of an on-line orientation for new employees. This does not replace the current face-to-face meeting that new employees have with Human Resources on their first day. Rather, it complements that meeting and provides information prior to the employee's arrival at WHOI, as well as some helpful information and resources for new employees during their first year. Please visit http://www.whoi.edu/services/HR/NEO/index.htm .