Buddy program

What it is

A buddy program pairs each new hire with an experienced coworker for their first weeks or months. The buddy is a friendly, informal contact who answers the small questions new people often feel awkward asking a manager, like where to find a file, how meetings usually run, or who to ask about a tool.

The buddy is usually a peer, not the new hire's manager. Their job is not to train or evaluate. It is to make the new person feel welcome and help them find their way around the company.

Why it matters

Starting a new job can feel lonely, even with a good plan in place. A buddy gives the new hire one person they know they can reach out to, which makes it easier to ask questions early instead of guessing or staying stuck.

This helps in two ways. New hires get answers faster, which can shorten their time to productivity. They also build a first connection at work, which supports employee retention during the months when people are most likely to leave.

How it works

Most buddy programs are a simple part of employee onboarding with a few clear steps:

• HR or the manager picks a buddy before the start date, ideally from the same team or a nearby one.
• The buddy reaches out before day one with a short, friendly message.
• On the first day, the buddy joins for lunch or a coffee chat, in person or on video.
• During the first month, the buddy checks in once or twice a week, then less often.
• After about 90 days, HR asks both people for quick feedback and the formal pairing ends.

Example: a new customer support agent joins a 60-person software company. Her buddy, a support agent with two years on the team, sends her a welcome note the week before she starts. After the new hire orientation on day one, they have lunch together. For the next month they meet for 15 minutes every Tuesday, and the buddy shows her the shortcuts and saved replies the team actually uses.

Best practices

• Choose buddies who want the role and have time for it.
• Give buddies a short guide that explains what is expected and what is not.
• Schedule the first few check-ins in advance so they really happen.
• For remote onboarding, plan regular video calls and an open chat channel.
• Thank buddies and recognize their effort, since it is extra work on top of their job.

Common mistakes

• Making the manager the buddy, which removes the safe, informal space.
• Assigning a buddy on day one with no warning or guidance.
• Pairing new hires with people who are overloaded or about to leave.
• Letting the program fade after the first week without any follow-up.

FAQ

What is the difference between a buddy and a mentor?

A buddy helps with day-to-day questions during onboarding, and the pairing usually ends after a few months. A mentor focuses on long-term career growth, and the relationship can last for years.

How long should a buddy program last?

Most programs run for 30 to 90 days. Many pairs keep in touch after that, but the formal check-ins usually stop once the new hire feels settled.

Who should be a new hire's buddy?

A friendly peer who knows the team well, has been at the company for at least six months, and is not the new hire's manager. Good onboarding software can help you assign buddies and send them reminders automatically.