Employee Training

Everyone has a job they've just been thrown into and expected to sink or swim. Hopefully, you survived it pretty well and eventually figured out most people's names, where the bathrooms were and how you fit into your department (if you're lucky enough to be on the organizational chart).

Then there are those great jobs that provide excellent employee orientation and training - the kind that makes you feel part of the organization before you even begin work. Though this is very important in large organizations where one department might never interact with another, small institutions can use trainings and orientations to their advantage as well. The great thing about orientations for museums and other cultural institutions is that everyone who works for you will understand and know your mission which is essential to presenting a cohesive message about your institution. I'd like to break down some essential elements to successful orientations and trainings.

1. Everyone should be required to attend - That means everyone from the floor staff to the Executive VPs. First this shows solidarity and commitment to the program. And second, it's a great informal way to meet people. 
2. Cover the basics - All your employees should know where the bathrooms and the most popular exhibits are in case they are on the floor and a visitor stops to ask them. Some other "basics" include your mission, employee benefits and a little background on your organization.
3. Overview of your organization - You can't expect all your employees to be experts in 18th century silver, but you can give them a little bit of information that the everyday visitor might not know. A great way to do this might be a tour by a curator or offering monthly programs that help keep your employees informed.
4. Explain how employees can stay up-to-date - If you have a fantastic intranet system, let employees know how to access it. Or if everything that's going on in the museum is posted in your monthly newsletter, let employees know how to get information about it. Many studies have shown that employees value being kept in the loop.
5. Remember to have fun - Think about how you're presenting your information and imagine if you had to sit through that program. Usually a variety of presentation methods are good - audio/visual, participatory, verbal, etc.

I recently sat through a great employee orientation and can't stop raving about how much I like the organization I'm working for. I can't help but think that the two are related.