When was the last time you attended an orientation session that was both informative and genuinely fun? If you're struggling to remember, you aren't alone. Traditional orientation has often been seen as a necessary evil—an exercise in endurance more than engagement. But what if we could turn this narrative on its head? Imagine a world where new starter orientation isn't a mundane tick-off-the-box affair but a dynamic and engaging experience. That world is here, and it starts with the simple idea of transforming your orientation into a team activity.

Why Make Orientation a Team Affair?

The benefits of reimagining orientation as a team activity are vast. Let's face it, first impressions matter, and a standard orientation is hardly memorable. Instead, consider an interactive team activity that leaves new employees feeling welcomed, informed, and integrated right from day one.

• Fosters Team Cohesion: New starters not only get to know one another but also their current colleagues in a less formal setting. Shared experiences during engaging activities can forge connections that might take months to build otherwise.
• Enhances Information Retention: Research indicates that we remember only a fraction of what we hear but much more of what we actively do. Engaging orientation activities leverage hands-on learning, ensuring key messages aren't just heard but actually stick.
• Encourages Creativity and Problem Solving: Unlike traditional orientations that follow a lecture-based format, team activities stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving. This approach gives new employees the chance to contribute right away, setting the tone for their role within the company.

The Magic of Adding Engagement

Has your organisation fallen into the pit of predictable PowerPoint presentations for training? If so, it might be time to inject a little bit of MAKE magic into your sessions. Imagine creating a bespoke team activity as easily as arranging slides. MAKE serves as an invaluable tool for creators looking to design these sorts of activities easily and save time. This AI-driven platform offers templates that can transform your usual orientation setting into a lively, interactive experience.

• Simplified Activity Creation: Crafting a memorable training session can be daunting, but with MAKE’s innovative software, you can build engaging content without starting from scratch. It’s like having a design team at your fingertips, offering professional templates you can swiftly adapt to fit your needs.
• Seamless Delivery: Not only does MAKE provide tools for content creation, but it also simplifies the delivery process, ensuring that time-consuming logistics don't hinder your team's experience.
• Time-Saving Solutions: With over two decades of honing their approach, MAKE knows precisely what works, effectively cutting down the time you would spend on brainstorming and arranging an activity.

Tailored Team Activities with MAKE

Founded in 2004, Wildgoose has developed a solid reputation for innovative and accessible team-building solutions. Whether your team works remotely or in-person, MAKE by Wildgoose offers the flexibility needed to ensure every new hire feels right at home. Their focus on innovation has led to an impressive average of 5,500 activities delivered annually to over 200,000 participants globally. But what truly sets MAKE apart is the ability to tailor activities to suit your company's unique culture.

• Custom Branding: Only make a good impression with generic content if you dress it up. MAKE allows you to incorporate your company’s branding into activities, creating a seamless blend of information and engagement.
• User Empowerment: With a user-friendly interface, organisers are empowered to create and manage activities without requiring specialised training. This ease of use encourages even the least tech-savvy to design something extraordinary.
• Scalable Solutions: Whether you're host a small team or a company-wide event spanning thousands of participants, MAKE's platform scales to meet your needs, ensuring every participant remains engaged and involved.

Starting Strong with Engaging Onboarding

It’s not just orientation that benefits from a refreshing approach; onboarding as a whole gains tremendous value from a strategic shift towards team activities. Employees who undergo thorough and immersive onboarding report higher satisfaction levels and tend to stay longer with their companies. This is an investment that pays clear dividends in terms of employee morale and retention.

• Interactive Learning: Engaging onboarding activities go far beyond simply imparting knowledge. They introduce new team members to the company culture in a way that resonates much better than traditional methods.
• Immediate Contribution: By getting involved in creative problem-solving and task-oriented games, new staff members contribute to real discussions and solutions from Day 1, boosting confidence and aligning them with company goals.
• Lasting First Impressions: Form a positive relationship with your new hires from the outset. Initiating interesting and enjoyable tasks helps mark those first critical days with positivity, setting a strong foundation for future success.

Making the Change for a Brighter Future

To summarise, transforming your company’s orientation into a vibrant team activity isn't just a trend—it's a meaningful shift towards more effective and positive workplace culture. By incorporating cutting-edge tools like MAKE, you can take the hassle out of creating innovative, engaging content while providing a memorable onboarding experience. Boost productivity, drive creativity, and promote seamless team integration by leveraging the flexibility and power of MAKE.

Revolutionise your orientation strategy today and see the long-term benefits it can bring to your organisation. So, what will you choose for your next orientation: an uninspired lecture, or an invigorating team adventure? Your new hires already know which they’d prefer!

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