Ryan Companies US, Inc.’s New Employee Orientation (NEO) is an immersive educational and cultural experience. Starting with the first version in 2006, followed by an overhaul and rebranding of the program in 2016, it has become a cultural icon that stays with employees for years after their attendance.
The program aims to increase retention and educate new team members to increase understanding and appreciation for all of the company’s service lines, deepen connection to its values, and foster the continuation of the company culture through relationship building and storytelling.
All new employees travel to the construction company’s headquarters to attend, no matter their title or department. Attendance is not mandatory and does have a cost, but as demonstrated by the high participation rate (94 percent), managers or leaders never question that the cost of attendance is worth it, the company notes.
Program Details
The format is a 1.5-day session for between 36 and 48 participants. New employees are invited during their first three to six months with the company. This is intentional in order to allow time for them to get some experience and learn some context beforehand. The cadence varies depending on rate of hiring, but sessions are scheduled quarterly at a minimum. The audience is a mix of regions, departments, and titles to foster relationships across service lines and regions.
The executive team kicks off the session with introductions. All presentations are led by department leaders and subject matter experts who are passionate about both their work and building relationships with new hires. Topics include:
- Overview of the business model (integrated project delivery referred to as “Collective Insight,” sector approach, and matrix organizational structure)
- Review of long-term and annual strategic plans
- Service lines (Development, Architecture and Engineering, Capital Markets, Construction, and Property Management)
- The company’s brand and client-centric approach
- Shared services resources (HR, IT, Accounting, and other corporate services)
- Overview of the family history, values, and culture
- Stewardship
- Iconic corporate awards
Relationship and culture building is spread throughout the program, focused on participant-led discussions and activities. To maximize the time, the company focuses on innovative teambuilding activities both in session and during optional happy hours.
A weekly learning newsletter highlights cultural and learning opportunities that reinforce core values. Long-term reinforcement includes an annual stewardship season called Ryan Gives Back that runs from September through November and features gamification, training, and volunteer opportunities. One to two office- and region-specific teambuilding events are held per year, as well as Regional Safety banquets.
Results
Employees who attend NEO work at Ryan 37 percent longer than those who do not attend.
