Recruiting great employees is only the first step. A thoughtful new hire orientation helps corrections agencies build engagement, communicate expectations and lay the foundation for long-term employee success.
A new hire orientation program familiarizes employees with the department’s operations while introducing them to its culture, expectations and mission. It is an opportunity to provide essential information that goes well beyond benefits and paperwork. A comprehensive orientation helps new employees feel like part of the team from day one. When employees feel informed and empowered, they are more likely to be productive, experience less stress, enjoy greater job satisfaction and remain committed to the department.
What every orientation should include
Throughout the hiring process, the human resources department is responsible for completing a significant amount of paperwork for each employee. This includes forms related to tax information, personal contact information, references, emergency contacts and benefits enrollment. Orientation provides an opportunity for the human resources department to ensure all employee information is accurate and up to date.
Orientation is the first impression the department makes on new hires, so it is critical that the employees conducting it are engaging and effective. This is why a well-planned, engaging orientation agenda is essential. When creating the agenda, it is important to include:
- An overview of the department’s policies and procedures
- An introduction to key department staff members (with photos)
- An overview of the local court system (for probation and parole agencies)
- An overview of the employee’s role and how the position fits within the department
- An overview of safety standards and procedures
- A sexual harassment and workplace violence presentation
- A discussion of the department’s mission statement
- A walk through of department buildings and grounds, including parking areas
New hires should also be provided with a copy of the department’s policies and procedures, which should include all relevant department information (1). This gives employees the ability to reference answers to questions or concerns if they are unsure about anything that was explained during orientation (3).
Helping new employees feel welcome
Being a new employee can be stressful in any department. A new hire orientation program helps integrate new employees into the department and makes them feel welcome and safe. It is an opportunity for new hires to ask questions and be introduced to key personnel such as supervisors, office managers, wardens, assistant wardens, sergeants, assistant directors (assistant chiefs) and directors (chiefs).
Orientation is intended to reduce the stress involved with starting a new job. Training sessions should be led by the department’s in-house training staff and the human resources department to provide new employees with a group that serves as a liaison between them and their new department.
Connect employees to the mission
The department needs every employee working toward the same goals to be successful (2). During new hire orientation, the in-house training staff and human resources department should explain the agency’s mission statement and show employees how they contribute to achieving it. This helps new employees feel like they are part of the department’s future. It also helps establish a positive workplace culture as they become part of the organization.
Confirming the right fit
The recruiting and interview process can sometimes misjudge a candidate’s intentions or long-term fit. During new hire orientation, the in-house training staff and human resources personnel have an opportunity to determine whether new employees may be having second thoughts about working for the department.
Sometimes, a new hire may realize they are not a good fit for the department and begin to question whether they want to work for an agency that is in the business of helping rehabilitate those who have committed crimes.
Taking the time to create a meaningful new hire orientation experience is important. Failing to introduce employees to coworkers or explain the department’s operations can make the organization appear disorganized, which could have a lasting negative effect by creating disappointment from day one.
New hire orientation is vital because it lays the foundation for an employee’s entire career with the department. First impressions are important because they establish the basis for everything that follows. Without a comprehensive orientation, a new employee may feel uncomfortable in the position, which could contribute to a higher turnover rate within the department.
Author’s note: I would like to thank all of the members of the Correctional Management Institute of Texas (Sam Houston State University) for their encouragement in my pursuit of enhancing the training of community corrections officers. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Leo Perez at Leandro.perez1@yahoo.com.
Bibliography
Compliance Prime Team. Importance of Employee Orientation in an Organization. July 1, 2020.
Oragui D. Employee Orientation: Definition, Benefits & Best Practices. July 23, 2020.
Rabha M. Workplace Orientation: What Does It Mean and Its Purpose? March 16, 2023.
