...
Onboarding Buddy is the one who will be the first point of contact apart from team People Operations and Life Coach. The buddy will help the new hire feel comfortable and to feel free to open up about their concerns and questions. We want the new hire to also understand how we work at Axelerant and to settle in their new team. The Onboarding Buddy will have a significant part to play and make them feel a part of the team and help them whenever they stumble upon any minor/ or major obstacles through-out the trial-hire throughout the onboarding period.
How do we select an Onboarding Buddy?
Check experience: An Onboarding Buddy typically has been with Axelerant for at least 6-8 months and is in a role similar to that of the new hire (developer with a developer, PM with PM, etc.).
Check availability, time, and interest: The Buddy should be available (check whether or not the potential buddy is on a long leave) for the month when the new hire is joining so that they can be approached by the new hire any time during their first month.
After checking their availability, we would ask them (not tell them), ask them if they are interested, and have the bandwidth availability to take up the responsibilities of an Onboarding buddy.
Onboarding Buddy guide: If the Buddy does not know what is expected from them and needs more clarity on the role, we can suggest them to go through Onboarding Buddy in Handbook (https://axelerant.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/AH/pages/160661725/Onboarding+Buddy?atlOrigin=eyJpIjoiNGM2MjBlNDZiOTE4NGJmMmExMzFiMTIwZDlmOTI3MWMiLCJwIjoiYyJ9 ) and/or schedule a call with the Life Coach/ Engagement Manager for better understanding of the role.
Inform People Ops team: the name of the Onboarding Buddy for the new hire.
...
Check-ins: set up regular 15-30 minute check-in meetings with the new hire as and when needed
The suggested frequency is twice per week in the first month and once a week in the second month.
Facilitate Conversations: facilitate networking for your new hire during check-ins, and answer any questions that come up
Raise Challenges: pass along any notable issues, highlights, or questions to the People Ops team to ensure they're addressed for future hires.
Approach the new hire: Don’t wait for the new hire to contact first. It will make them feel more welcome and help them overcome shyness when they are approached by the Onboarding buddy approaches them.
What are the responsibilities of the People Operations team?
Ask for suggestions from our Life Coach for Onboarding Buddy.
Inform the team member assigned as Onboarding Buddy and help them understand the role of a Buddy.
Introduce the buddy with the new hire through Slack or schedule a Zoom call.
Follow-up/Check-in with the Buddy, check how the new hire feels and if any intervention from the Life Coach/Engagement Manager is required.
Ask for feedback from Onboarding Buddy at the end of Trial-hire the onboarding period
Follow up; to understand whether the Onboarding Buddy and new hire are in touch frequently, or if the new hire is facing any issues, intervene where necessary or direct it to the concerned person.
...