As part of a commitment to enhancing the university's status as an employer of choice, Human Resources (HR) recently reinvigorated the orientation sessions it offers for new employees. The interactive sessions include the following:

• A two-hour, in-person new employee orientation (NEO)
• A two-hour virtual benefits orientation
• A one-hour virtual Workday 101 for new employees. 

HR's goal is to engage and support new employees as they become a part of the larger campus community. These sessions also bolster the onboarding efforts of individual units and departments.  

"Research indicates intentional and effective onboarding increases employee satisfaction and retention," said Anne Shelley, assistant director of talent and leadership development. "With this in mind, we've designed our new employee orientation experience to welcome and inform new hires while also helping them feel an immediate sense of belonging in their new work home." 

Benefits orientation provides detailed benefits information regarding health insurance, retirement options and more. Workday 101 for new employees demonstrates the basics of using Workday, such as how to set up and edit direct deposit, how to find payslips, how to view absence balance, how to request an absence and other helpful tools. These two trainings are offered on alternating Wednesdays at 9 a.m. 

New employee orientation offers a comprehensive breakdown of the perks and opportunities provided by working at the U of A, as well as an overview of the rich history, land-grant mission and strategic priorities of the university. NEO is offered every Monday at 9 a.m. followed by an optional free lunch at a campus dining hall and a campus walking tour.

"It was a great learning experience and really helped me gain insight into what is available to me as a staff member," said one recent NEO participant. 

HR invites all new hires to attend these sessions, and hiring managers are encouraged to utilize the sessions for their new employees. Registration is available via the EDP calendar or by contacting Shannon Siebler for NEO and Workday 101, or Tracee Riggs for benefits orientation.