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.
- 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.