The difference between the two and how can you ace both with every hire
Although there are some differences, both are important to be done properly for consistent:
- Employee engagement
- Employee satisfaction
- Job success
- Lower attrition
Induction or orientation is a single event where the recruit is introduced to the organisation and vice versa.
For a successful induction, HR, which is responsible for the process, needs to follow certain steps, before the first day of work
- Define what paperwork is necessary for hiring, shares with the recruit what those are
- Filling out forms
- Signing the agreement, be it labor or services
- Signing employee handbook
- Signing company policies, procedures
- Depending on the complexity of the role, a training needs assessment might be filled, to determine the level of knowledge and training needed
- If an office environment
o A walkthrough of the office, entrances and exits
o Location of facilities, kitchen area, bathroom, parking, lockers
- If the work will be conducted remote, infrastructure access and communication tools will be required
Onboarding is a series of events, linked together in a process, where new employees are physically, emotionally, and professionally incorporated into the existing culture and operations of their new workplace. The process can be on-going and can last up to 6 months or even 1 year, depending on the complexity of the role.
Usually conducted by the HR function in conjunction with the Manager, it is spread over a few months:
1st Day
- Review company policies, such as leave absences, breaks, clock – in and clock - out rules
- Share organization mission and values, culture
- Introduce to manager, colleagues
- Welcome team video message for remote workers
- Set job scope and expectations
- Gift basket with company logo items such as T shirt or shirt, cap, pen, notebook, etc
2nd Day and for as many days needed, as per the complexity of the learning process
- Start training by providing product or service knowledge, processes, procedures
- Set preliminary tasks and evaluate
After the training and for up to 6 months or more
- Discuss performance metrics
- Regular check – ins, feedback sessions, performance reviews
- Recognize positive employee contribution