We have recently introduced a new Induction programme to one of our departments and as part of this new employees will be allocated "buddies" to help them settle in, go through an Induction checklist covering Health and Safety, tour of the premises etc.
What are you views in expanding the role as learning in the line will follow.
At the moment as it is a small team, the same "buddy" will used for all new employees. There are about 10 in the team and turn over is not high.
Sarah Money
3 Responses
“buddy” for new starts
We use the same idea in the Bank, whereby any new people who come into the team are “settled in” by one person. This helps to create an excellent first impression, especially when the other members of the team may be extremely busy and not be able to give the attention to the new person which should be given at the start of any job. All the departments in the bank use this approach and it does work. Feedback from our new starts has confirmed this. A smiling face helps a new person feel at ease and they also have a point of contact whilst they settle in too.
Buddy Lunches
I used this approach in a large law firm. We got the buddy to take the new starter out for lunch on the first day, instead of having a sandwich lunch during the induction day. The lunch was paid for by the firm and helped to encouarge the buddy and new starter to get to know each other.
We also had a system of one to one support for IT which was often provided by the buddies and we trained the buddies in how to give effective instruction.
Good luck
Christine
Buddy System
‘Buddys’ can be used effectively in an organisation not only to make the new employees feel welcomed but also facilitate training.
A new employee can be attached to a ‘Buddy’ for a fix period of time until he/she are fully trained and have achieved the desired compentency levels. ‘Buddies’ can be given Training checklists for conducting one to one or on-the-job training with the new employees depending on departmental / company needs.
One of the cruise ship companies that I used to work for before had used the same ‘Buddy’ system very effectively. As said earlier their job roles were expanded further to incorporate training facilitation and were provided support by the management.
If you need assistance in designing a ‘Buddy System’ then do get in touch with me and I shall be more than happy to assist (without any obligation or fee !).
Parag