Chapter 7 - Employee Development

Orientation

Numerous studies have shown that employees who receive a thorough and proper orientation that allows them to experience success early on in their careers are far more likely to remain with the company two years down the road. Orientation is training that works because it reaches the employee before any other (possibly negative) influences. It is your first and best opportunity to explain the requirements of the job and what it takes to be successful.

The orientation starts during the interview process. Candidates must be told which attitudes and values are accepted, and which ones are not. They need to understand which behaviours are rewarded, and which ones are not acceptable. They need to hear how their performance will be measured. Most importantly, they need to understand how important the customer is in everything the company does at every level.

You should create an initial training plan, called an "Orientation", that must be completed by every new employee upon hiring. Basics such as company background, market position and future goals should be reviewed. The organizational structure and processes, existing personnel and other relevant information must be introduced.

Initial job training should also be covered. For some retailers, the orientation process will take two weeks, while for others it may take several months.

The key to any successful orientation program is to ensure that the necessary time and effort are invested in its planning and implementation. Creating something as simple as a checklist of topics to be covered, then delivering it on a consistent and reliable basis, will often do the job. Try to get management and line employees involved in the process of delivering the program.