In one recent survey, 71% of employees reported that their onboarding experience didn’t help them feel connected with their colleagues or give them a clear idea of what roles everyone plays. A “buddy system” for new hires can help increase both engagement and retention:
- Buddies shouldn’t be confused with mentors or coaches. Instead, they offer peer support – answering questions, providing advice about processes and culture, and introducing new hires to key internal contacts and systems.
- With virtual onboarding processes, a buddy can conduct regular chats, answer questions, and introduce the new hire to the organization in a real way. At the same time, games and fun activities can connect newbies with veteran employees in a positive way.
- Managers and team leaders can select buddies and implement the system. However, HR should create the system and keep it on track by guiding managers on how to integrate and use it.
- Buddies should be someone the new hire can identify with and who are willing and able to take the time to participate in the program and can be a proactive, positive influence and role model.
