The purpose of an "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 field to ask questions, learn of historical processes, learn how to escalate issues, and ensure the new hire's questions are answered (even things like writing subject lines for emails). Within a new hire's onboarding task list many of these topics are addressed, but it's inevitable that additional questions will bubble up that an onboarding buddy is best suited to answer.
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 developer, PM with PM, etc). It is the responsibility of the buddy to initiate conversations on a regular basis with the assigned new hire and to nurture a positive professional relationship that encourages questions and learning.
What are the responsibilities of an "Onboarding Buddy"?
- Checkins: 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 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 addressed for future hires
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 shoes—what important info do you wish you had known at that time? 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-tips" with your new hire; these are typically work shortcuts and tools that make life easier
Last things: Initial Email From Onboarding Manager
*For reference only. Onboarding Manager will send this.
I thought you would be a good onboarding buddy to team up with [a new hire] as they're still getting their feet wet with Axelerant. [new hire] is a [role] working on the [project]. They started on [date] with us. [New hire] has made great progress with settling into their project & role here, but there are inevitably still questions, best practices, workflows, etc that you two can work through. [New hire] feel free to reach out to [onboarding buddy] with any [role] related questions. I am still always available for a touchpoint as well!
I would love to see the two of you schedule a 15-30+ minute touchpoint twice a week for the next month. This can start anytime this week for the first one. Find a time slot that works for both of you and make a standing meeting hangout for the next 4 weeks. Then for the following month please continue a once a week meeting for 15-30 minutes as well. Find a time slot that works for both of you and make a standing meeting hangout for those following 4 weeks as well. Beyond these eight weeks, you are both welcome to continue to meet if you find value and/or fun in doing so!