Plan a summer worker's orientation carefully
- News
Many young people are about to start their summer jobs. This means that employers who have hired summer workers will soon be planning their orientation. The importance of orientation is particularly emphasised among young workers at the beginning of their careers.
Proper orientation supports a young worker's attachment to working life. The main responsibility for orientation of new workers lies with the supervisor, but other, more experienced employees may also take part in orientation and guidance.
Before a new worker starts in an employment relationship, the orientation must be planned well. This means, for example, reserving enough time for orientation, choosing the persons participating in the orientation and checking that orientation materials are up to date.
When a new person starts in their job, they must be given sufficient information about the objectives and activities of the workplace and their own tasks and the-related objectives. It is a good idea to tell the employee who they can ask for help if necessary.
In addition, matters related to pay, working hours, absences and the employee's rights and obligations must be discussed with new employees.
When a worker begins to perform their job after the initial orientation, the orientation often continues alongside the work. In this context, the person providing the orientation must respond to any questions the worker may have, monitor the worker's competence and also provide information to the worker on opportunities for competence development. It is important to give feedback to employees.
See Job Market Finland for information on the orientation of a new employee and what needs to be taken into account when hiring a young employee. In addition, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health has compiled a checklist of ten points, which should be utilised if a new summer worker is about to start at your workplace. See the checklist on the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health's website.