Do you remember how overwhelming the first weeks at your new job were? Think about how much better it would’ve been to have had an ally on the inside. As a welcome buddy, you play a key role in supporting new team members. Not only that, but being an onboarding buddy is fun!
Onboarding buddies help employees navigate the team, learn more about their roles, share advice, and answer questions as they come up. Here are five easy things to keep in mind as an onboarding buddy.
A new job, office, and team can be intimidating. Instead of glossing over worries or concerns your onboardee may feel, take time to acknowledge these moments of discomfort. Once you have had a chance to listen to your new teammate, offer your support and solutions-oriented advice.
Onboarding buddies are the representative of company culture. While you may not be in charge of a new hire’s entire onboarding, as an onboarding buddy, you still oversee an important experience for them. Reach out to your new teammate often, check-in to see how they’re doing, and make sure your onboardee has the support they need.
New hires may be uncomfortable asking their managers more basic questions like Who should I reach out to if I forgot my email password? What's the CEO like? or Where can I find the company values again?. Be sure to check in with your onboardee every day during the first week to make sure they have a chance to ask any new questions on their mind.
As a new employee it may be difficult to meet employees across teams, especially in your first couple of weeks on the job. Take some time to introduce your onboardee around the company.
Always follow-up with your onboardee. Keep in touch after offering help or introducing new hires to other team members. New employees are balancing a lot of responsibilities and emotions as they settle into their new role. Make sure to move the relationship forward by following through on promises made and following up with your onboardee when necessary.
