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Buddy Onboarding Program for Departments

Assigning new or transferring employees a buddy provides them with a reliable, single point of contact for their basic questions.  A buddy helps to reduce the initial confusion and uncertainty faced by all new or transferring employees.  A buddy also supports the manager by allowing them to focus on job-specific issues.  By increasing the new or transferring employees’ ability to contribute to the department and organization, the buddy helps increase their self-confidence. While a buddy program is not required by departments, it is recommended as a best practice. 

 A buddy is not a mentor or a supervisor.  A buddy is a team member who partners with a new or transferring employee during their first 3-6 months on the job.  They offer advice, resources, and guidance regarding the day-to-day aspects of working in the department and Virginia Tech.

The buddy program offers significant benefits to the new employee, the buddy, and Virginia Tech.

Buddy benefits:

  • Recognition as a strong performer.
  • Expanded network.
  • Opportunity to encourage and engage others.
  • A fresh perspective.
  • Enhanced leadership and communication skills.

New employee benefits:

  • One-on-one assistance.
  • Jump-start on networking.
  • Single point-of-contact.
  • Knowledge of “how things really get done.”
  • Smoother acclimation and onboarding period.

Virginia Tech benefits:

  • Increased employee satisfaction and retention.
  • Increased employee communication.
  • Enhanced employee development.
  • Enhanced quality work processes.
  • Increased employee productivity.

The selection of a buddy should be based on the following characteristics:

  • Demonstration of high performance.
  • Is willing and able to be accessible to the new or transferring employee.
  • Is skilled or knowledgeable about the new or transferring employee’s job.
  • Is proud of Virginia Tech and the department.
  • Is a peer of the new or transferring employee.
  • Has patience, and good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Wants to be a “buddy”.
  • Is a role model and well regarded and respected by team members.
  • Has been selected in advance and understands their responsibilities.
Typically, the buddy relationship is formal in the first three months. The buddy will meet the new or transferring hire on their first day, establish weekly meetings, and answer questions as needed. After the first three months,  the relationship may continue if desired by both the buddy and the employee. If both agree to continue, the relationship becomes informal with less structured meeting times.
 
Buddy Responsibilities
  • Be a contact for general information on policies, procedures, work rules, norms, day-to-day operational issues, etc. (i.e., “how things work here”).
  • Help the new or transferring employee integrate with the department and organization regarding Virginia Tech culture, norms, and expectations.
  • Make introductions and help establish networks.
  • Assist in training.
  • Establish rapport and provide open, positive communication, respecting confidentiality.
  • Follow up with the new or transferring employee on a regular basis.  This can include meeting for lunch, brief chats, email check-ins, etc.