Have you ever started a new job and felt completely lost on the first day? Starting a new job can be exciting, but it can also be very stressful and overwhelming. Assigning a workplace buddy who can help ease someone’s transition into a new role can be very beneficial for all involved.

A buddy system is an onboarding and knowledge-sharing method used to orient new employees. It involves assigning a new employee to a workplace buddy.

A buddy is an existing employee who partners with a new employee during their first months of employment. Typically, a buddy would make themselves available to show the new hire around the office, go over procedures and policies, and generally help the new hire become familiar with the company's inner workings and culture. Ideally, a buddy is a great communicator who can easily provide information and encourage the new hire to express their thoughts and concerns in a safe setting. This person should be the type of employee the organization wants to duplicate.

New employees face a steep learning curve when they start with a new company. If your organization approaches orientation strictly based on job-related information, this provides little opportunity for communicating information that socializes the new employee.

The good news about the buddy system is that you do not need a large staff or a great deal of time or funds to launch an effective program.

Buddies should have the skills and knowledge to perform the following types of tasks:

• Teaching/or tutoring, such as explaining unfamiliar tasks
• Explaining how to use office equipment, obtain office supplies, make travel arrangements, and the like
• Socializing the new employee on company's guidelines, norms, culture, and unwritten guidelines
• Sharing insights on how things are done in the organization
• Involving the new employee in social or informal activities, such as lunch, coffee, and such

A buddy provides moral support during the first few crucial weeks by introducing the new employee to staff members and showing them around their new workplace.

When selecting a buddy, it is important to choose an employee who has a well-rounded knowledge of your company and its mission and values. This person should be willing to be the point person for the new hire. Additional characteristics to look for when selecting a buddy include:

• Has a willingness and ability to mentor others
• Has demonstrated strong past performance
• Has the time to be accessible to the new employee
• Is skilled in/has knowledge of the new employee's job
• Is a peer of the new employee
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Is well regarded and accepted by current employees

An appropriate buddy will possess a positive outlook on the company and be able to encourage a sense of pride and loyalty in the new employee.

Creating a buddy system for a new hire requires some investment and should be handled with care. However, it isn't difficult or expensive to implement this type of program. The rules are simple—make sure you've chosen a willing and competent buddy; create the minimum set of documentation; and revise it as you hire new people. Set an end date for the formal buddy relationship and review how things went.