Getting Started

Welcoming the New Employee

We're excited about welcoming a new team member here. While new employees temporarily may feel overwhelmed with names, faces, and our terminology, this guide is designed as a toolkit for you, the Buddy, to assist new employees with their transition into the business.

During the new employee's first two weeks, please do everything you can to make him/her feel welcome.

As a "Buddy," your role is critical to the new employee's assimilation here. Being assigned as a Buddy, you are a peer advisor and will help bring the new employee up to speed to fully participate in our growth. Why the Buddy role matters
Your Role

Responsibilities & Support

Your responsibilities are outlined in the following sections. You will cover these with the new employee during his/her first two weeks of employment.

Thank you for serving as a Buddy. Your willingness to invest time, encouragement, and support helps new employees feel welcomed, build confidence, and become successful members of our organization. Your contribution truly makes a difference.
What To Expect

As a Buddy, You Will…

Be a "friendly face" within the local business.

Help the new employee understand who people are and advise informally on how to succeed.

Ensure that the new employee feels welcome and is comfortable in the new work environment.

Start in week 1 and be in role for the first month.

Be a person the new employee goes to with any questions or queries about their new environment.

Setting Expectations

What a Buddy Is & Isn't

"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion." Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 — NASB95

A Buddy Is…

  • A peer
  • Informal
  • Flexible
  • Short-term
  • Social

A Buddy Is Not…

  • A mentor
  • Structured & formal
  • Career coaching
  • Long-term
Track Your Progress

Buddy Checklist

Work through each onboarding phase alongside the new employee, checking off each item as it is completed. Your progress is saved automatically on this device, making it easy to pause, return, and continue where you left off.

0 of 18 complete
Before Day 1

Prior to Start

  • Call the new hire to welcome and introduce yourself.
  • Send the new employee a welcome email message (to be read on day one).
Day 1

First Day

  • Customize
  • Customize
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Week 1

First Week

  • Be a resource for the new employee on procedures, work logistics, and our culture.
  • Encourage the new hire to attend any relevant team meetings.
  • Supplement training with personal insights on "tips & tricks," including our software tools and other commonly used processes.
  • Use all methods available to stay connected with the new employee; provide introductions to co-workers, peers, and managers.
  • Provide feedback and encouragement to the new employee.
  • Help the new employee clarify his/her work assignments.
Weeks 2–4

First Month

  • Continue to check in with the new employee to answer questions or direct them to the proper resources.
  • Continue to use all methods available to stay connected with the new employee.
  • Identify support resources within the business.
  • Discuss project specifics and workflow.
  • Consider opportunities for social interactions outside the workplace that would help the new employee and/or family members develop early contacts (e.g. dinners, social organizations).

Keep a printable PDF copy of this Buddy Guide & Employee Guidelines for reference.