A buddy at work strengthens employee retention
When starting a new job, there are many considerations before entering the company where you will spend a large portion of your daily time. Questions arise, such as: "Am I qualified enough? What is expected of me? Will I fit into the company culture?" Our answer to addressing these concerns is to introduce a buddy system to enhance employee retention.
What is a buddy?
A buddy in the workplace is essentially a mentor or point of contact. It’s an experienced employee assigned to help new staff settle into their new job. This person acts as both a guide and a friend, providing support and building a relationship through mentoring. The buddy’s role involves training the new employee, answering questions, introducing them to social events and networks, and integrating them into the company’s culture and work methods.
The onboarding period
Effective onboarding of new employees requires focus on several aspects of the initial period. It’s crucial for employee retention that this stage is successful. The process starts the moment a new employee enters the workplace, where a buddy can contribute to creating a welcoming environment.
One of the biggest challenges for new employees is the feeling of not being part of the work community. A buddy can counter this by ensuring the individual feels welcomed and included from the start. This includes involving the new employee in social interactions and relationships within the workplace.
How does a buddy strengthen employee retention?
Starting work as a new employee can be overwhelming and challenging. The new employee is unfamiliar with the company’s working practices, and a buddy can serve as a reliable resource. This makes it easier for the new employee to feel comfortable asking questions and receiving guidance. As a result, they are integrated into their role more quickly, avoiding long periods spent figuring out workflows.
Communication is key
Regular communication with a buddy ensures that the new employee feels informed and included in the company. This fosters a better connection and a sense of belonging, which can lead to greater engagement and loyalty. A buddy promotes the new employee’s integration into the company, which is a key factor in employee retention.
A buddy can introduce the new employee to others across different departments, helping to establish strong relationships quickly. This is essential for a sense of community and support within the workplace.
Additionally, the buddy can introduce the new employee to informal rules and cultural norms that aren’t outlined in the employee handbook, boosting their confidence and increasing their engagement in the company.
What qualities should a buddy have?
A key component in strengthening employee retention through the buddy system is selecting the right employees to be buddies. A buddy should be able to:
- Be patient and supportive
- Communicate clearly
- Handle conflicts effectively
- Create an inclusive culture
- Provide feedback and recognition
Not just a short-term assistance
A buddy plays a significant role in strengthening employee retention within your business. By creating a safe environment, fostering quicker integration, and building a positive social culture, a buddy can help new employees feel welcomed.
A buddy is not just a short-term resource but a long-term support for the new employee and can be crucial during the first few months, a period when many employees decide whether they will stay in the company. Therefore, the use of buddies can be a strategic move for businesses that wish to enhance employee retention and foster an inclusive company culture.
