Onboarding Buddy Program
The Onboarding Buddy Program supports new employees during their first three months. Each new employee is paired with a colleague who can provide informal support, answer everyday questions, and help them get familiar with the organization.
Buddies are typically selected from the new employee's team or a closely related team. Participation is voluntary, and the buddy is not responsible for the employee's performance or formal onboarding tasks.
For managers and buddies
Managers should introduce the new employee to their buddy during the first days and make sure both sides understand the purpose of the program.
A short conversation during the first week is recommended to agree on:
- how often the buddy and new employee will check in
- which communication channels they will use
- what topics the new employee would like support with
- who to contact when a question falls outside the buddy's role
The relationship is informal and should complement, rather than replace, the employee's regular manager and onboarding activities.
Helping new employees find information
Buddies are not expected to know every answer. When a new employee has a question, the buddy can help them find the relevant information or resource. Buddies can answer questions when they know the answer, help new employees find relevant information in the company's knowledge resources, point them to the appropriate contact when the information is not available, and encourage new employees to become familiar with the resources they can use themselves. The goal is to help new employees become more confident in finding information independently.
If a pairing does not work
A buddy relationship should be comfortable and useful for both sides. If the pairing is not a good fit, the employee or buddy can contact People Operations to discuss an alternative arrangement.
For the employee-facing description of the program, see the Onboarding Buddy Program.
