Starting a new job means taking in a huge amount of information about tasks, processes, people, structure, relationships, stakeholders, and every other thing that makes up not only the job but the organization as a whole. 

That's why having an onboarding buddy can help your new team member acclimate and navigate the new environment.

An onboarding buddy is an informal support system, basically a person who is in a similar role as your new hire that helps them settle into their new role.

Choose the right person🤝

When you have a new hire, the most important first step is finding both the right person and one that is willing to be an onboarding buddy. You shouldn't force this role on people. There can be various reasons why people aren't up for taking on the role, and that is okay.

It should be someone in a similar role as the new hire, so they can both answer relevant questions about the job, but also, people feel more comfortable asking questions about the job and the company to someone that isn't their direct boss.

Have the onboarding buddy present from day one 1️⃣

The first day is often a bit nerve-racking, so introducing the onboarding buddy from the start can help people feel less stressed or overwhelmed. It's nice to know you have a go-to person from the get-go.

What should the Onboarding Buddy do? 📝

Here are the responsibilities of an onboarding buddy

1. Introduce the new hire to other employees
   During the initial days, the onboarding buddy should introduce the new team member to as many colleagues as possible, especially those the team member will work with on a regular basis. As a leader, you should also try and have a social outing or team building soon after the new team member has joined the team.
2. Answer questions
   This is an important resource for the new hire, as they can with ease ask questions about the company, culture, and specific aspects of the role, as the onboarding buddy can share their first-hand experience.
3. Take a tour of the company
   Get the new hire familiar with the workplace and the environment. 
4. Introduce company guidelines and culture
   Get the new hire familiar with the guidelines, unwritten rules, and nuances of the company, and the team's culture. 
5. Be the person the new hire shadows
   Allow the new hire to get familiar with the day-to-day tasks and get them familiar with the processes of the role.
6. Check-ins for the first month
   Having weekly check-ins with the new hire for the first month to see how they are doing and how comfortable they are with their new role and the company and the team culture.