The stage that begins with an employee's first day and includes orientation is called?

The correct answer is the encounter stage. This stage marks the transition of a new employee from the recruitment process into the actual work environment. It begins on the employee’s first day and encompasses orientation, where new hires are introduced to the company culture, policies, and expectations. This phase is crucial for helping employees adjust to their new roles and integrating them into the organization.

During the encounter stage, employees start to form impressions about their job and workplace dynamics, which can significantly influence their job satisfaction and commitment. It's also a time when they begin to develop relationships with colleagues and supervisors. Successful navigation through this stage can lead to higher retention rates and better overall job performance.

In contrast, the selection stage pertains to the recruitment process where candidates are evaluated and chosen for employment, while attrition refers to the reduction of personnel, usually through voluntary resignations. The anticipatory stage involves the expectations and beliefs employees hold before entering the organization, generally shaped by prior information or experiences. These stages outline the employee life cycle, but the encounter stage specifically addresses the initial integration into the workplace.