A new work environment can present some
challenges and can confuse a new employee. A new employee will have to
understand many aspects - in terms getting to know the departments,
understanding organization structure, policies, procedures and etc. While an induction
session helps to a certain extent, buddying programme will be more helpful.
What
is buddying?
Buddying is a system wherein a new
employee is paired with an experienced employee as a “Buddy”.
What
is a buddy?
A buddy is someone who partners with a
new employee during his/her first two or three months of employment in an
organization.
Why
have a buddy?
The purpose of buddying programme is to
help new employee. It provides a new employee a single point of contact for
their questions regarding work experience. It reduces the initial confusion and
uncertainty faced by new employee. It ensures the new employee get to
understand the routine procedures, availability of stationery, printer,
conference rooms and etc.
Who
can be selected as a buddy?
A buddying programme can be successful
based on the selection criteria to become a buddy.
A Buddy should be
- An employee who is willing to take responsibility of buddying and understands the role;
- An experienced employee (typically with more than one year experience in the organization);
- An employee with good communication skills, approachable and friendly;
- An employee from the same department at the similar level;
- An employee who understands the job – roles and responsibilities of the new employee;
- An employee who is aware of routine procedures, people in his/her and other departments – especially finance, admin, Networking /system administrators.
A
Buddy should not assume himself/herself as a mentor or a supervisor to new
employee.
Who
should appoint a buddy?
A department manager is responsible for
identification and appointment of buddy.
What
are the responsibilities of a buddy?
- Welcome the new employee on Day one;
- Establish a rapport with the new employee – may be start offering a coffee/tea and having lunch on day one and later on once or twice in a month;
- Make a tour of office premises showing new employee’s desk space, conference rooms, cafeteria, and availability of basic essentials.
- Introduce employee(s) from his/her department, other department(s);
- Educate new employee on policies, procedures and guidelines;
- Ensures an open communication providing confidence in the new employee;
- Provides his/her contacts like mobile phone, e-mail id;
- Follow up with the new employee on a regular basis – start with once in a week and then the meeting can happen once in 15 days or once in a month or based on the speed of adjustment of new employee.
Tips
for buddies:
- Buddy as an expert: Often new employee carries away the impression that the buddy is an expert. Buddy should not be worried being perceived as an expert;
- Patience: Developing a rapport and relationship will take time. So be patient and try not to impose all the matter on day one itself;
- Judgmental: Don’t be judgmental and simply offer feedback and suggestions;
- Availability: Buddy to provide his/her contact – mobile phone number, e-mail id and meet at regular intervals – once in 15 days or based on the need.
Tips
for new employee:
- Understand the role of a buddy;
- Make themselves aware of the details like organization structure, culture, policies, procedures, systems and software, intranet and etc;
- Respect the time of the buddy.
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