Jeff McLanahan
Contributing Writer
American Residential Services
When starting a new job there is a lot to do and learn. We must navigate a new facility, meet a bunch of new people while trying to remember their names and job titles, learn our job duties and responsibilities, understand and blend in with a new work culture, and also learn and/or memorize a whole new set of acronyms! We have all been there at some point in our life.
One way to help with the stress and confusion a new employee will face is to implement a buddy system. A buddy system costs little if anything to set up and can pay huge dividends if done effectively.
The buddy serves as the initial connection between the new hire and the company. They can help the new employee understand the written rules as well as how to avoid the landmines related to any “unwritten” rules existing at the company. When questions arise, the buddy can provide answers and/or guidance on where to go or who to speak with to get those answers. And a buddy can also help with assimilation into the company and culture. All these tasks, and many more will help increase the retention of new hires, help them get up-to-speed and productive more quickly, and make for a better overall new hire experience.
When implementing a buddy system, here are a few considerations:
Selection process: Not everyone will be a good fit for the role of a buddy. Those selected need to have a positive attitude about their job and the company and have the time to invest with a new employee.
• Expectations: As with any role, communicate expectations beginning with the minimum amount of time that must be spent in the role. Will a buddy meet with the new employee daily or weekly? Is there a budget for lunch meetings? Should each day start and/or end with a brief catch-up meeting? If the buddy and new hire are not in the same location, how are the expectations different?
• Resources: Provide a list of basic topics to discuss. As previously mentioned, the new hire period can be stressful and confusing. This list may provide needed information that the new employee did not know or think to ask about.
• Recognition: While the role of a buddy can be a rewarding experience for both the new employee and the buddy, a little recognition can go along way in having repeat buddies as well as attracting new buddies. Recognize those that take on this additional activity to assist the company in achieving its goals.
• Other benefits: An additional benefit of a buddy system is the development of the buddy themselves. Being responsible for the success of others (either in part or whole) is a basic function of a leader and the role of a buddy may certainly help you identify future leaders of your organization.
The competition for employees is not easy. Shouldn’t we be doing everything possible to keep employees once we hire them?