The Ultimate Guide to Onboarding a Star New Employee. Boosting Success from Day One
Step Two: The Importance of Orientation
As a seasoned management recruiter with over 18 years of experience at Gecko Hospitality, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with numerous hospitality professionals as both clients and candidates. Having spent more than two decades in hospitality operations prior to my career in recruiting, I understand the significance of effective interviewing, onboarding, orientation and training in reducing turnover. With this series of blogs, my aim is to shed light on these crucial processes.
In step 1 of this 5 part series (5 Steps to a Great Employee) I wrote about the importance of the interview and your ability to discern the necessary information to make an informed decision to bring the candidate back for a second interview and eventually hire your new employee.
Now, for the crucial second step: Orientation. By definition “To orient – align or position (something) relative to the points of a compass”. In simpler terms, we want to set the person in the right direction to become a successful employee. In this blog post, we will explore the key components of a successful employee orientation in the hospitality industry.
Company Orientation & Overview
Begin by providing a comprehensive overview of your company, including its history, mission, values, and culture. Help the new employee understand how their role contributes to the overall goals of the organization. This sets the foundation for them to align their work with your company’s vision.
Facility Tour
Take the time to personally walk the new employee through your business. Show them areas of importance such as the office, storage areas, out-buildings, alarm systems, utility rooms, and restrooms. This familiarization and orientation with the physical space creates a sense of belonging and helps them understand the layout of the workplace.
Introduction to Team Members
During the facility tour, introduce the new employee to each staff member they will encounter on a regular basis. Ensure they know who they directly report to, who their colleagues are, and who their direct reports are. Additionally, make them aware of any other owners or key personnel they should be familiar with, even if they may not interact with them daily. This helps foster positive relationships.
Policies and Procedures
Review your company’s policies and procedures with the new employee. If you have a company handbook, use it as a guide to discuss important topics such as code of conduct, attendance, dress code, computer use, sexual harassment policy, and safety concerns. Ensure they understand the expectations and guidelines governing their behavior and work performance.
Compensation and Benefits
Revisit the salary discussion and provide a thorough explanation of the employee’s compensation and benefits package. Cover details such as health insurance, retirement plans (e.g., 401k), bonus programs, pay schedule, and any other perks or incentives they are entitled to. This transparency builds trust and demonstrates your commitment to their well-being.
Mission and Goals
Reiterate your company’s mission and goals, emphasizing how each employee plays a crucial role in achieving them. Help the new employee understand how their contributions will directly impact the success of the business. This promotes a sense of purpose and ownership in their role.
A well-executed orientation sets the stage for a successful and engaged employee. By providing a comprehensive company overview, you create a solid foundation for their future success. Remember, the goal is to make the new employee feel valued and part of your work family from day one.
In the next part of this series, we will explore the importance of a thorough and complete Job Description for you to review with your new employee. If you missed step 1, read it here!
This article was written by Marty Tarabar, marty@geckohospitality.com
