The Difference Between New Employee Orientation and Integration

The difference between orientation and integration is the difference between learning about something and becoming a part of it, respectively. New employees need to be given training to orient them to the workplace. Only time will give a new employee an opportunity to become integrated into the employee and corporate environment and structure.

Becoming oriented involves instruction in the procedures and protocols of the company. All new employees need to be told what precisely that their job is. They need to be made aware of expectations and limitations. This training includes attendance policies and enforcement guidelines. It should also include informing the new hire of the layout of the facilities. If there is a special entrance to use or codes to employ, this should be made a part of the training.

New people in any company need to be taught how to run all special equipment that is necessary for their job. This should cover enough time that proficiency can be gained to use it safely and effectively. Coworkers should be introduced, and their respective duties outlined to the new person. All supervisory staff should be pointed out. This especially includes anyone who has direct oversight to the person being trained. Learning who to call upon for advice and guidance concerning job performance is also a part of the orientation process.

Integration of employees takes orientation up to the next level. As a person is integrated, he or she is expected to begin carrying a reasonable share of the workload. The employee becomes part of a team of people who accomplish a task as a department. They are no longer given large amounts of leeway but are expected to start becoming proficient in their duties. Integration implies becoming an important part of the whole. Other workers will begin to depend on the new person to help get the production out of the door.