New-hire Orientation 2023

• published : 03, April 2022

Welcome Aboard!

Providing a welcoming, supportive and engaging work environment for each new or transferring employee sets the stage for success throughout the employee’s career at Duke. They look to you, their manager, for a clear process to learn the new job and begin contributing quickly to the department and organization. That is why your role is so important in the orientation and onboarding process.

The difference between orientation and onboarding, both of which are important, is explained below:

“Orientation is more administrative in nature and typically involves the completion of new hire paperwork, enrolling new hires in benefit plans, and setting the new employee upon the company’s payroll. Onboarding, however, has more of a long-term focus and is aimed at identifying training needs, setting performance goals, providing ongoing feedback, and ensuring the new employee is a positive contributor to your company’s success.” HR 411.com

The information provided in the Manager Resources section is focused on the Five Phases of an Effective Onboarding Program and incorporates elements of the orientation process. These phases are as follows:

• Pre-Hire Preparation -- From the time of job acceptance to the first day on the job
• New Hire Introductions – Official welcome of your new or transferring employee
• New Hire Orientation – Orientation event for ‘Big Duke’ (University or Health System)
• Department Orientation – Day One through the successful completion of the 90-day orientation and evaluation period (new hires) or trial period (transferring employees)
• Ongoing Onboarding – 90 days through at least the first year

These sections will provide an overview of each phase as well as suggested activities and timelines, resources, and templates available to assist you. Getting new or transferring employees off to a good start can make a big difference in their feeling welcomed and in their effectiveness and attitude on the job.