Orientation is the introductory stage which familiarizes the new employee to his/her new working environment by introducing aspects of the company such as:
- Company mission
- Quality and value statements
- Organization chart
- Business objectives
- Management
- Workplace facilities
- Work rules, regulations and policies
- Employee benefits and incentives
Induction is the process of initiation into a new job or company by which a new employee learns about and becomes part of an organization. Induction ranges from formal orientation programs to informal familiarization and social events. Its overall purpose is to provide necessary information, facilities and motivation to assist the employee to adjust to the new work environment to learn the ropes and become productive on the job. It aims to help him/her to understand company's expectations and convey what he or she can expect from the job and the company. It encourages the development of loyalty and enthusiasm towards the company and gain employee commitment.
Orientation can be completed in a day or two and is much simpler to organize and conduct and is less time-consuming. Induction, on the other hand, involves ongoing, systematic training and support for new employees beginning before the first day of work and continuing throughout the first two or three years. In other words, orientation is one small activity that takes place during an overall systematic two or three-year training process known as induction.