The purpose of an "onboarding buddy" “onboarding buddy” is to provide a friendly, peer-based connection between a new hire and an experienced Axelerant team member. The idea is to have someone in the new hire's hire’s field ask questions, learn historical processes, learn how to escalate issues, and ensure the new hire's hire’s questions are answered (even things like writing subject lines for emails). Within a new hire's hire’s onboarding task list, many of these topics are addressed. Still, additional questions will inevitably bubble up that an onboarding buddy is best suited to answer.
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An onboarding buddy typically has been with Axelerant for at least six months and is in a role similar to that of the new hire (developer with the developer, PM with PM, etc.). The buddy's buddy’s responsibility is to initiate conversations regularly with the assigned new hire and nurture a positive professional relationship that encourages questions and learning.
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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 availability to take up the responsibilities of an Onboarding buddy.
Onboarding Buddy guide: If the Buddy does not This guide helps Onboarding Buddies 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/ . They should contact their Performance Coach or Engagement Manager for better understanding of the role.
Inform People Ops team: the name of the Onboarding Buddy for the new hire.
What are the responsibilities of an
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“Onboarding Buddy”?
Reach out to the new team member on Day1.
Check-ins: set up regular 15-30 minute check-in meetings with your new hire on an as-needed basis
The basic frequency of these should be every day for 1st week,
Twice per week for the first month,
Once per 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 onboarding manager to ensure they're they’re addressed for future hires.
Share timely feedback: Share timely feedback for the new joinee directly and on their onboarding channel to help them inculcate Axelerant values and our culture so that they are prepared to get assigned on Projects. If you’re not sure what to check for giving feedback, the following pointers can help:
How is it like working with them?
Are they enthusiastic about new assignments and learning new technologies/processes/culture?
Do they demonstrate Axelerant values in their work?
Have they been timely in communication and attending Buddy calls?
What are their strengths that you might have noticed in your Buddy conversations so far?
Any concerns that you'd you’d like to share here?
Any other feedback that you'd you’d like to give to them?
What are some key program tips?
Invite your new hire to any of the project meetings that you think might be helpful to have them observe
Put yourself in your new hire's hire’s shoes—what important info do you wish you had known at that time? Please share it!
Conversation starters:
What have you been learning during your onboarding sessions with your manager?
In what areas do you feel strong/confident?
In what areas do you feel unsure?
How is your project going? Are you able to apply your onboarding learnings there?
Share some "pro“pro-tips" tips” with your new hire; these typically work shortcuts and tools that make life easier.
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