Get new IT employees off to the right start with this orientation checklist

A good orientation program makes new hires feel comfortable and introduces the organization's culture, supervisors, coworkers, and work expectations. This list will help you set new employees up for success.

Finding, training, and replacing employees is an expensive proposition, and the actions you take to facilitate the transition for new employees are worth the effort. Chief among these actions is an effective welcome and new hire integration process, which can go a long way toward promoting a good relationship with employees as they come on board.

This orientation checklist was developed by Mike Sisco, CEO of IT management training and consulting company MDE Enterprises. We've updated the formatting and added links to some supplemental resources. The checklist follows the progression from big picture issues to individual job role specifics, covering items such as:

• Benefits enrollment
• Company organization
• IT products and services provided
• Job description and responsibilities
• IT procedures/processes that affect the new employee
• Education and training guidelines

As Sisco explains, "A thorough orientation will quickly help the employee feel more comfortable and a part of the new organization. More important, spending quality time with your new employee early on shows a true commitment on your part and increases the employee's desire to do a good job for his or her new manager."

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