What is typically an element of the orientation phase in onboarding?

The orientation phase in onboarding is crucial for introducing new employees to the organization and integrating them into the company culture. A senior leader welcome is typically a key element of this phase, as it provides new hires with insight into the organization’s values, mission, and strategic goals directly from leadership. This gesture not only makes the new employees feel valued but also helps to establish a connection between them and the broader organizational vision. It sets a positive tone for their journey within the company, creating a sense of belonging from the outset.

In contrast, while team-building exercises may occur later in the onboarding process to foster relationships among colleagues, they usually do not represent the formal orientation stage. Budget planning is more associated with strategic functions and is not relevant to the immediate onboarding of new employees. Formal performance reviews occur after employees have settled into their roles and need time to demonstrate their capabilities, making them unrelated to the initial orientation phase.