Buddy system: what it is and why it speeds up adaptation
The buddy system means that a new employee gets a teammate who will help him or her navigate the day-to-day stuff: how things work, where to find things and who to contact. Buddy doesn’t replace the manager, it complements them and reduces stress in the first weeks.
Main contribution: Faster integration into the team and fewer “silent” problems that otherwise appear late.
How buddy should work
- first day: welcome, team, basic orientation
- First week: processes, routines, “where to find what”
- First month: ongoing help, directing to the right people
The most common error
Buddy is “set” but he doesn’t have the time, he doesn’t have the steps and he’s not part of the process. Then it becomes an invisible obligation and the program expires.
Buddy as part of the SmartFP workflow
In SmartFP, buddy roles can be in the workflow: they receive tasks and notifications, HR sees the status, and the manager is assured that nothing gets lost between the “agreement” and reality.