Seating arrangements matter- at social events, staff meetings and yes, new employee orientation.
The next time you are dining at a sit-down restaurant, take a moment to notice the difference in conversation and engagement levels between parties seated at a rectangular table, in a straight line, shoulder to shoulder- and those seated at a round table. I would bet your dinner bill that the vibe at the round table is more engaging and energetic than the vibe at the long table.
Round table seating arrangements offer:
- Better eye contact with more people
- Easier listening
- Increased understanding
- Improved communication logistics
- More engagement
- Improved conversation
- More inclusion
In World-Class New Employee Orientation, new hires are always seated at round tables, (when they are sitting) engaged and participating…It seems like a small thing, but it’s not. If everything you do speaks about your values, then the environment you place your new hires in on their first day with your organization speaks volumes.
It’s much easier to encourage dialogue, understanding, communication, engagement, conversation and inclusion at a round tables, in a well designed, modernized and comfortable training room with a high energy facilitator. Do this and you are half-way there!
So, the next time you’re out to dinner ask for a round table and prepare to experience the great vibe- it's on me!
For more on effective New Employee Orientation strategies, check out these resources:
- New Employee Orientation
- Who is Facilitating Your New Employee Orientation, and Why?
- Molding Your New Hires With Effective New Employee Orientation
- New Hire Orientation Trainer Auditions: An American Idol Experience
- World-Class New Employee Orientation
ABOUT DONNELLY EFFECT: With over 20 years of Disney leadership experience, Mike Donnelly, Chief Experience Officer (CEO) of Donnelly Effect shares his insights on Talent Selection and Hiring, Employee Onboarding, Customer Experience, Workplace Culture and Leadership- among others. Donnelly Effect is home of the exclusive “World-Class Workshop” series and offers consulting services and keynote addresses to audiences of all sizes and industries. Since 2007, Mike Donnelly has been contracted by the Disney Institute to deliver presentations to audiences across the US.