Organizing a safety orientation to integrate new employees

Safety Orientation - a way to integrate new employees.

Integrating new employees is a crucial step in the hiring process. Indeed, if the company neglects this part, it may see its new hires leave after just a few days of work. Integration is an opportunity for leaders to make a good first impression. This guide explains how to implement a safety orientation to enhance your working relationships with your employees.

Safety Orientation: What is employee onboarding?

Employee onboarding refers to the training and support process set up by the company to guide new hires. It can span several days, weeks, or months. This integration aims at three primary goals:

Employee Engagement 

When employees are engaged, company productivity increases. Indeed, effective onboarding results in positive relationships between management and employees. Research online safety training to properly prepare the process.

Acclimatization 

Employees need to feel comfortable within the company to perform their daily tasks effectively. Hence, it's essential to introduce them to organizational values, colleagues, and company culture right from the start.

Retention 

A safety day is also organized to provide employees with all the resources they need to succeed in their roles. This will enhance their experience and allow the company to retain them. It should be noted that staff turnover can slow a company's progress and incur significant costs.

What should employee integration cover?

The program content depends on your company's goals and culture. However, the following elements should always be included:

Safety and Compliance Training 

This includes:

• Fire safety;
• Health and safety at work;
• Fire safety (note: this is repeated);
• OSHA safety.

Introduction to Human Resources 

It covers the development of technical skills.

Processes and Procedures 

This section discusses:

• Employee manuals;
• Employee benefits;
• Company policies;
• Time-off policies.

Tools, Technology, and Systems 

The program trains employees on:

• Relevant technologies;
• Project management systems;
• Computer setups.

Company Culture 

This concerns:

• Communication expectations;
• Meeting dates and proceedings;
• Social activities and regular events.

How long should employee integration last?

The duration of onboarding depends on the job's complexity and the entity. It's essential that the employee receives support throughout their tenure, not just during their initial days in the company.

Here are some basic recommendations:

Before hiring 

Be transparent at all hiring stages. Clearly describe the position and remain professional during interviews. Also, verify candidates' professional backgrounds to confirm their skills. At the same time, ensure they have no criminal history.

When extending an offer 

Start by presenting the initial offer over the phone. Then, post a detailed job description. Don't forget to mention the start date and your contact information.

Before the first workday 

Prepare all necessary documents and work equipment. Set up a program for new employees. Also, share essential documents required for their roles.

On the first day 

Arrange an orientation session to introduce employees to team members. Give them a tour of the premises to familiarize them with the company. Then, organize the initial onboarding meeting. It should include:

• Information about employee benefits;
• A review of company policies;
• An overview of organizational culture;
• Instructions for leave applications...

During the first few months 

Set goals for the first 90 days after joining. Regular one-on-one meetings should be scheduled to assess how employees are adjusting to their work environment and to review their progress. Conclude the onboarding process by allowing them to share their feedback with management.

Reasons to invest in virtual reality training for safety orientation

Using virtual reality for safety training offers many benefits:

A Safe Work Environment 

Thanks to VR, creating a safe work environment for employees becomes easier. They can experience realistic situations, better anticipating work-related dangers.

Realistic Scenarios 

VR videos are highly realistic. Employees can push their limits during training without taking real risks.

Easy-to-Evaluate Procedures 

Virtual reality is an excellent way to test and implement new procedures.

Effective Training 

The training program is engaging, making employees more likely to remember the information. In fact, 5 minutes of VR training is roughly equivalent to an hour of traditional training, showcasing its efficiency.

Tips for successful employee integration

Here are some tips for effectively integrating an employee into your company:

Be Prepared 

Like any relationship, first impressions matter. In their early days or even weeks, employees are still trying to find their place in the organization. If the onboarding process is overlooked, they will never feel at ease. So, prepare all the training materials upfront (documents, equipment, meeting spaces, technology...). The facilitator should also be ready to answer questions from the new hires, showing them that they're supported.

Present Information in Various Ways 

Since everyone assimilates information differently, it's vital to present it in multiple formats, if necessary.

Be Creative 

Onboarding shouldn't just be about processes and paperwork. For a successful integration, here are some creative ideas:

• Organize team-building activities and games;
• Invite your employees for a welcome meal with other colleagues;
• Prepare an onboarding kit with gifts and useful information;
• Display their pictures in the break room so existing staff can get to know them;
• Give them a glossary specific to the terminology in your industry.

Immersive Factory offers virtual reality training

Immersive Factory offers various virtual reality training packages to help integrate your employees. Effective and fun, they inform them about potential risks at their workplace. Thanks to programs developed by Immersive Factory, you will instill true proactivity within your team.