Employee Onboarding Process for Supervisors

Overview for Supervisors

What is orientation?

A comprehensive orientation for the new employee:

• Provides the new employee with information that will ease the transition into the workplace;
• Paints a precise picture of the department and the institution as a whole;
• Introduces the new employee to departmental goals, policies and procedures, customs and traditions;
• Conveys the employer’s expectations;
• Relieves the new employee’s anxieties about starting a new job; and
• Inspires the new employee to have a good attitude toward the University and his/her new job.

Why is it orientation important?

Orientation is important because it lays a foundation for the new employee’s entire career with the department. First impressions are important since they establish the basis for everything that follows. Without orientation, a new employee sometimes feels uncomfortable in his/her new position and takes longer to reach his/her full potential.

Orientation is important because it:

• Provides the new employee with concise and accurate information to make him/her more comfortable in the job;
• Encourages employee confidence and helps the new employee adapt faster to the job;
• Contributes to a more effective, productive workforce;
• Improves employee retention; and
• Promotes communication between the supervisor and the new employee.

Supervisor's responsibility

It is important to develop good communication with the new employee from the start. Distinct, well-defined expectations will reduce potential misunderstandings that may occur later. The more an employee knows about where he/she works, the more comfortable he/she will feel in his/her new position.

Suggested topics to cover during orientation

• New employee checklist
• History, mission, and goals of the department/institution;
• Position description and responsibilities;
• Expectations of the supervisor;
• Career development;
• University Safety checklist;
• Responsible computing policies; and
• Benefits and other personnel policies.

Visit the tools & resources page for links to these and additional resources available on campus to help you develop a comprehensive orientation process for your new employees.

A Guide for Supervisors

Building a healthy relationship between you and your new employee is a deliberate and intentional process. Your integration "plan" should include:

1. Announce whom you've hired and why.
2. Communicate high priority objectives and performance expectations.
3. Define the boundaries: rules, regulations, policies.
4. Review checklists.
5. Introduce key personnel within and outside of your unit.
6. Establish regular one-on-one meetings to review progress and address concerns
7. Provide coaching and counseling.
8. See also unit responsibilities

Checklist for supervisors of new employees:  word | pdf

Self-guided checklist for new employees: word | pdf