A very popular saying goes like this: The first impression is the last impression. This stands true especially when new employees join your company. The first impression after hiring of an intern will be set up by having a well thought of and engaging Orientation Session.
An Orientation session is kept for all the candidates new to the company, but it is the most required when you are hiring fresh graduates. They have near to nil knowledge of real world working and culture. Hence, and Orientation gives them an idea of company, its people and its practices.

It basically helps all the new joiners to interact with each other as well as the trainer and at times, with other important members of the company. But how are organisations benefited by having such a session? The advantages are mentioned below:

1.    Employees feel valued:
When a fresher joins a company, they feel anxious and overwhelmed. But an introduction session or get together helps them open up. They feel like they are important for the company. They feel confident, as if they are also now a part of the company, which is what, as an employer, your aim should be.

2.    Employee Retention:
With a great Orientation Session, there are higher chances of retaining those interns.  They will show the ability to turn into permanent employees at a later stage. When employees sense a belongingness to the company, they tend to stay longer, grow their skills and contribute to the success even after they complete their internship or graduate programs.

3.    Time Saver:
When the new candidates get complete information of the policies, protocols, the in and out of the company, with proper interaction, they are able to make their way into the new atmosphere pretty easily. Their managers or trainers don’t have to spend additional time to explain things repeatedly.

4.    Increased Motivation:
Interns feel highly motivated and energised after going through such sessions. The feelings of setting up their career excites them, and they strive to give their 100% for any task assigned.

5.    Increased Confidence Levels:
Along with motivation, their confidence also boosts up. As they grow during the training, L&D process, their fears fade off leading them to work with enhanced productivity. With the support of their colleagues, and managers they tend to trust the company culture. They network well, stay curious and contribute well to accomplish both personal and organisation goals.

The success of an Orientation Session depends largely on how invested your interns are during the session. If they find it impressive, you’ve got good employees in the longer run, else you may have to work harder on your session material and delivery.
All types of companies, big or small have started employee experience practices reaping benefits of the same. This proves the candidates with a job as well as learning development opportunities too. Intern Orientations improve the market rankings too. So if you have not yet started this employee exercise, don’t waste time and do that now.