At MAKE, we’ve long believed that the foundation of any successful organisation lies in its people. And there’s no better time to start cultivating that foundation than during a new hire’s first day. Whether you're a seasoned pro or someone fresh on the scene, that first impression sets the tone for everything that follows. A well-thought-out staff orientation activity does more than just introduce your new team members to their roles — it establishes a culture, builds relationships, and gives them a sense of belonging from day one.
I’ve seen it time and time again: get it right, and you’ll fast-track your new starters to success. Get it wrong, and, well, you’re on the back foot before you’ve even started. So, what exactly makes a good staff orientation, and why is it so important?
First Impressions Matter
Let’s start with the obvious. The first day at a new job is like the first day of school, full of anticipation, excitement, and, if we’re being honest, a little bit of anxiety. An engaging orientation can replace those nerves with enthusiasm. And that’s what you want. Your team members should leave that first session not only informed but inspired.
It’s not just about ticking boxes on health and safety or sending people to HR to fill out paperwork. It’s about setting the tone for the kind of workplace you are. Are you a dynamic, forward-thinking team, or do you leave people feeling like they’ve stepped back in time? An interactive, inclusive orientation experience gives new hires a taste of your culture and sets the stage for their future.
Building a Sense of Belonging
A great staff orientation activity is more than just an introduction to the organisation’s rules and regulations. It’s an opportunity to bring people into your culture. Here’s the thing: no matter how independent or seasoned a person is, everyone needs to feel like they belong.
Team-building activities are an amazing way to break the ice and help people connect with their colleagues so why not combine the two when designing an orientation activity? Using one of the templates in MAKE will help to foster open communication, promote collaboration, and quickly make new starters feel part of the family. With MAKE, you can incorporate gamified elements into your onboarding sessions because we know that when people are playing, they’re not just having fun — they’re bonding.
When new starters walk out of their first day feeling like they already have a support network in place, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
Setting Clear Expectations
An orientation activity isn’t just about introductions and handshakes. It’s the perfect time to set clear expectations. I’m not talking about job roles and tasks (although those are important); I’m talking about how you work as a team, what success looks like in your organisation, and how you’ll support one another.
A well-structured orientation doesn’t leave people guessing. New employees should leave with a solid understanding of how their work contributes to the bigger picture. When they understand the mission and vision of the company, they’re more likely to be invested in it. Trust me — when people feel part of something bigger than themselves, they’re naturally more motivated and engaged.
Getting to Know Your Office Surroundings
One often overlooked but incredibly important aspect of a good orientation is familiarising new starters with their office surroundings. It might sound basic, but knowing where things are and how to navigate the workspace can significantly reduce the stress of those first few days. There’s nothing worse than feeling lost in an unfamiliar environment, whether it’s hunting down the coffee machine, finding the right meeting room, or simply knowing where the fire exits are.
A solid orientation activity will include a thorough office tour — but it shouldn’t stop at just pointing things out. Make it engaging! Incorporate interactive elements, or better yet, a scavenger hunt (via MAKE!) that encourages new hires to explore different departments, meet key people, and get a sense of the office’s unique personality. This is particularly helpful in larger organisations or those with multiple departments where it’s easy to feel disconnected.
Getting to know the surroundings early on helps create a sense of comfort and autonomy. People perform better when they feel grounded in their environment, and a great orientation ensures that new starters are equipped with not only knowledge of their role but also confidence in their physical space. When your new team members can navigate the office with ease, they’ll feel less like outsiders and more like they truly belong.
Wrapping Up
A good staff orientation activity is an investment. It’s your chance to create an environment where your new starters feel welcomed, informed, and ready to contribute. It’s more than just a warm welcome; it’s about inspiring loyalty, building relationships, and creating a shared sense of purpose from day one.
And, as we know here at MAKE, when you’ve got the right people in the right frame of mind — that’s where the magic happens.
