Assigning a buddy to a new employee can be very helpful in facilitating the start, making the settling-in period smoother and making the new employee feel more comfortable more quickly

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Tasks buddy at pre-boarding

A buddy can play a valuable role in the preboarding phase and help prepare the new employee for his/her new position. For example:

• • Contact the new employee
    The buddy can contact the new employee and introduce himself. He/she can tell the new employee what to expect during the (pre)boarding phase and what information and resources are available.

• • Share information
    The buddy can share information about the company culture, mission and vision, and other important company information. He/she can also provide information about the department or team in which the new employee will work and introduce them to colleagues.

• • Preparing for the first day
    The buddy can help the new employee prepare for the first day by providing information about the dress code, location and itinerary. He/she can also provide information about the necessary equipment and software the new employee will be working with.

• • Answering questions
    The buddy can answer questions the new employee has about the position, the company and the (pre)boarding stage. He/she can also help the new employee resolve any problems or concerns.

• • Giving a virtual tour
    If the new employee is starting remotely, the buddy can give a virtual tour of the office and its surroundings to give the new employee an idea of the workplace.

By performing these tasks, the buddy can help build a positive relationship between the new employee and the organization before they start. This can contribute to a smooth and successful start for the new employee

The different tasks of a buddy during engaging

As well as during the onboarding process, a buddy may have various tasks, such as giving a tour of the building, introducing the new employee to colleagues, answering questions and providing support in learning new tasks. The buddy can also act as a mentor for the new employee and help them build a professional network within the organization

Here are some tasks a buddy can perform during the onboarding period:

• • Sharing knowledge
    The buddy can help the new employee learn the business processes, systems, and procedures and introduce the new employee to colleagues and key contacts within the organization. The buddy can also provide information about the company’s history and culture.

• • Answering questions
    The buddy can help answer any questions the new employee may have about the position, the department, the company and the work. The buddy can also discuss any concerns or problems the new employee may have and help find solutions.

• • Giving feedback
    The buddy can give feedback on the new employee’s work and give him/her tips on how to improve it. This can help improve the new employee’s performance and resolve any problems before they get bigger.

• • Provide mentoring
    The buddy can act as a mentor for the new employee, helping him/her develop skills and knowledge needed for the position. The buddy can also help with personal goal setting and career development.

• • Providing social support
    The buddy can help the new employee feel at home in the organization and can provide social support. This can include having lunch or coffee together, participating in company events or introducing the new employee to colleagues.

The buddy has a clear role in integrating the new employee into the organization and makes a positive contribution to the new employee’s success

Benefits of buddy system

A buddy system can provide several benefits for improving the onboarding program of new employees, for example:

• • Faster integration
    A buddy helps new employees integrate more quickly into the organization and company culture. This can help reduce stress and uncertainty among new employees.

• • More engagement
    A buddy helps increase new employees’ commitment to the company and the work environment. As a result, new employees feel more at ease and can find their feet faster.

• • Knowledge sharing
    A buddy shares knowledge and experience with new employees and helps them build the right skills and knowledge to be successful in their new position.

• • Feedback
    A buddy gives new employees feedback on their performance and helps them improve. This helps increase productivity and improve the quality of work.

• • Social network
    A buddy can help new employees build a social network within the organization and introduce them to colleagues and key contacts.

A buddy system improves integration

By implementing a buddy system in the onboarding process, companies can help improve the integration, engagement, knowledge sharing, feedback and social networking of new employees. This can help increase employee retention and reduce the time it takes for new employees to become fully productive