Onboarding an employee can be a daunting task, both for the new hire and the employer. It's crucial to ensure the new employee feels welcomed and supported during their transition into the company.
A Gallup blog post states that only 12% of employees strongly agree that their organization does a great job onboarding new employees. The post adds, "This failure gets in the way of forming an emotional bond between the new hire and the company — a connection that can make or break retention." One effective way employers can achieve this connection, whether employees work in person or remotely, is through a buddy system.
A buddy system pairs a new hire with a more experienced employee, who serves as their guide and support and helps them settle into the job during onboarding. For example, buddies can answer questions or advise about team processes or organizational culture and introduce new hires to key internal contacts. A survey by Eagle Hill Consulting found that 71% of employees said their onboarding experience did not adequately cover whom they should build relationships with. The survey participants also shared that they wanted more opportunities to make personal connections with their team members. The buddy system approach makes the new hire feel more comfortable and supported and helps build relationships within the team, which can lead to greater collaboration and productivity.
The following are a few benefits of a buddy system:
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It helps ease the anxiety and stress of starting a new job. New employees may feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar environment and the demands of their new position. A buddy can help to alleviate these concerns by providing a friendly face and a source of guidance and support.
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A buddy system can help to accelerate the onboarding process. New hires are often bombarded with information during their first few days on the job. A buddy can help to break down this information and make it more digestible, helping the new employee absorb it more quickly and effectively. Additionally, a buddy can help the new hire navigate the company culture and get up to speed on the expectations and norms of the workplace.
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A buddy system can foster a sense of community and belonging. It encourages cross-functional relationships and collaboration by pairing new hires with existing employees, which can lead to greater teamwork, higher morale, and increased productivity. A buddy system can also help ensure that new hires are integrated into the company culture and feel like part of the team from day one.
Implementing a buddy system is relatively simple. Employers can pair new hires with volunteers from the existing team who understand the company culture and job demands. The buddy should be available to answer questions, guide the onboarding process, and be a friendly and supportive presence for the new hire.
Assigning a more recent employee as a buddy may have its benefits in helping to reinforce what they have recently learned. More than one buddy can split the workload. It’s ideal if you can provide the buddies with training and resources to prepare them for their responsibilities. For example, you can offer workshops, guides, checklists, or online courses on giving feedback, setting goals, resolving conflicts, or building trust. Ensure you recognize and reward the buddies for their contributions and efforts.
Below are some well-known companies that use a buddy system in their new hire onboarding process.
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Google assigns new hires a "buddy," a peer a few levels above the new employee, to provide support during the onboarding process.
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Salesforce pairs new employees with "Trailblazers," experienced team members who guide and support new hires during their first few months on the job.
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Airbnb assigns new employees with "mentors," experienced employees who help new hires navigate the company culture and provide guidance on their day-to-day tasks.
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LinkedIn's "Buddy Program" pairs new employees with experienced colleagues who can help them acclimate to the company culture and provide guidance on their job responsibilities.
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HubSpot pairs new employees with a "coach," an experienced employee who provides support and guidance during onboarding and beyond.
A buddy system is a powerful tool for strengthening the new-hire onboarding experience. By providing guidance, support, and a sense of community, a buddy can help ease the transition and set new employees up for success. Employers should consider implementing a buddy system in their onboarding process to create a positive and productive work environment for their new hires.
If you need assistance setting up a buddy system for your onboarding program, don't hesitate to contact Employers Council for help. You can also learn more about the onboarding process in general in our whitepaper.
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