Orientation is the process of introducing new employees to their job and the organization. To create a sense of belonging, orientation programs are developed by the HR department. They typically including some form of personnel policy handbook, which HR managers discuss and give to employees or have online. Although orientation programs vary in formality and content, they typically include description of organization, specification of job responsibilities, a tour, and introduction to coworkers.

Newcomer socialization refers to the process through which new employees acquire the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes required for effective participation in the firm. Onboarding is about socializing new hires and developing relationships, because if people don’t feel like they are accepted into the team, they tend to quit. Socialization is ranked more important than the formal HR department orientation. Recall the importance of cultural fit and group process cohesiveness. It is important for new hires to know whom to go to for information and help.