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Using the text below as a basis, explain what the differences are between integration and orientation? Brief answer. Text: Business.com earns commissions from some listed providers. Editorial Guidelines.

The best HR software for managing onboarding and orientation

Though often used interchangeably, orientation and onboarding are two entirely different $$ and crucial $$ processes HR departments undertake after hiring an employee. While both processes provide new employees with resources and familiarize them with the organization, each offers unique benefits and tools critical for success. From introducing team members to explaining the office layout, these processes are foundational for new employees. We$$ll explain both processors and how they differ.

What is onboarding?

The onboarding process introduces a new employee to your organization through a series of integrated tasks. These tasks allow employees to better understand their new roles and responsibilities within the company.

Onboarding can happen over a few days; however, employees will usually continue the onboarding process for at least the first few months they$$re employed. Onboarding initiatives may include completing new$-$hire paperwork like employment contracts, receiving on$-$the$-$job employee training, learning about company policies and reviewing the employee handbook.

$$It is important for leadership to send the message from the moment that new employees are brought on board that their success is the company$$s success,$$ explained Stephen Kohler, CEO and founder of Audira Labs. $$This means that companies with remote employees need to work hard on finding opportunities to connect with their new colleagues both in the business and personal sense.$$

Bottom Line

A successful onboarding process empowers employees in their new roles and helps cement their place in the company.

What is orientation?

Workplace orientation gives employees a chance to learn where they$$ll be working, what their work environment will be like and how to navigate their workspace. Additionally, they$$ll be introduced to their new managers and colleagues. Orientations can be for individual employees, or departments may have several new hires undergo the same process together.

Orientation will likely also include a tour of the company$$s facilities and a review of any company perks, including parking, gym access and dining options. Employees are also given an overview of their roles and responsibilities and have a chance to ask an HR representative questions or meet their manager. Orientation can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the company and the employee$$s role.

What$$s the difference between onboarding and orientation?

Orientation and onboarding may have similar purposes at first glance. However, the primary difference between onboarding and orientation is that orientation is a shorter part of the overall onboarding process, which can take months to a year to complete.

Orientation is a time to generally familiarize the new employee with the company$$s vision and values. It also serves as a time for them to meet new colleagues and tour their workspace. In contrast, onboarding includes a series of events that provide more details about job training, best practices and company policies, including PTO policies and attendance policies.

Onboarding basics

Ensuring a comprehensive onboarding process keeps employees motivated to work. However, businesses should be willing to invest a significant amount of time and attention to create it$.$

What does the onboarding process include?

Over a specific period, the onboarding process will include the following tasks:

You$$ll explain, in detail, the new hire$$s role and provide any applicable training.

You$$ll familiarize the employee with their colleagues and managers through icebreaker exercises, a team luncheon or meetings.

You$$ll follow up with the employee consistently and frequently about how they$$re settling into their new role and what resources you can provide for a smooth transition.

You$$ll walk the employee through available employee benefits, review the employee handbook and train them on company policy.

FYI

The HR people who handle onboarding must ensure new employees understand the devices and software they'll work with, including CRM software and accounting software.

What are the benefits of onboarding?

An excellent new$-$hire onboarding process brings the following benefits to an organization and its new employees:

Onboarding creates a positive employee experience. How you treat a new employee can set the tone for their work exp