Blog 15 January 2025

How work buddies ease the process of onboarding

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Joining a new company is always stressful – you don’t know the company, nor the people who work there, and you need to adjust to a new work culture. This is why, in recent years, companies have started the work buddy system – assigning a person within the company to guide the new employee.

This person will help the new employee adjust to its new job, and to understand the work environment better. Here are 5 key insights on how having a work buddy system can make the onboarding process easier:

  1. Smooth Onboarding: a work buddy assists new employees in navigating their first days by offering guidance on company policies, procedures, and culture. This support makes the transition smoother and less daunting.
  2. Social Integration: new hires frequently experience feelings of isolation. A buddy can help by introducing them to colleagues, fostering relationships, and making them feel more integrated into the team.
  3. Increased Productivity: having a buddy to answer questions and provide support allows new employees to become productive faster. They have a reliable source for advice, which minimizes the time spent figuring things out independently.
  4. Enhanced Job Satisfaction: feeling supported and welcomed can greatly enhance a new employee's job satisfaction. This often results in higher morale and a stronger sense of belonging.
  5. Retention: employees who feel integrated and supported tend to stay with the company longer. A buddy system can help reduce turnover by making new hires feel valued and understood.

In conclusion, the work buddy system is an effective strategy to ease the stress of joining a new company. By providing guidance and support, a work buddy helps new employees adjust more quickly and comfortably, fostering a smoother transition into the new work environment. This approach not only benefits the new hire but also contributes to a more cohesive and supportive workplace culture.

 

by Rute Gomes, People & Culture Management at Luza