It is a challenging task for a new employee to acquaint themselves with the company’s culture and processes of how things are done.

Without orientation, new employees at times feel out of place, and on the other hand, this can limit their potential to perform to their full abilities.

Through employee orientation, new employees are introduced to their new workplace and are provided with basic information about the organisation.

It is, therefore, important for an organisation to offer orientation for its new employees because then, they will be able to have a clear understanding of the rules and regulations regarding their workplace, company policies, among other important facts.

Marthe Uwimbabazi, a distribution manager, articulates that for a new employee to be well prepared for their new role at work, they need to receive a proper orientation from the human resource’s office and employees too.

Employee orientation must come at the forefront of any company’s organisation. Net photo.

"Without this, it can be hard for a new employee to transition into their role. Orienting a new employee is so crucial since it benefits the company too. As a manager or human resource office, communicate with your new employee about prospects and accountabilities,” she says.

"A comprehensive orientation can also help in the reduction of employee turnover. Employees are bound to be retained or stay in the company because they will be well versed with what they are required of, this will provide them with job satisfaction and increase their performance too,” she adds.

Alex Gashugi, a web developer, notes that offering employees orientation encourages them to have confidence and this helps them to adapt faster to their job.

This, he also says, enables them to be more effective and productive in what they do. "This form of guidance has a way it encourages and boosts the morale of the employee. It makes them feel welcome and part of their new family. It also builds a positive attitude and creates a sense of security, this is because an employee can understand that with such an organised culture, they are protected from vices such as harassment,” he explains.

First impressions, that are usually set through such orientations, are very substantial because they have the capacity to set the foundation for what follows between the employer and their new employee.

Because of this, Uwimbabazi says employee orientation, though often understated, must come at the forefront of any company’s organisation.

"The primary benefit of this, is that an organisation that takes time to orient its new employees sets pace for its workers to have pride and esteem for the organisation they work for. Employees take this as a sign of respect, and this gives them enthusiasm and a commitment towards their organisation,” the manager says.

"An efficient employee orientation process can make a remarkable difference in how quickly a new employee becomes productive, creative and committed in their new role. This is why organisations must and should prioritise this aspect and make it part and parcel of their organisational culture,” she adds.