As a Buddy, you’re a key part in helping a new joiner feel welcomed and settled into rtCamp. Your role isn’t just to provide guidance on day-to-day tasks, but to help them understand the rtCamp culture, build connections, and feel supported during their onboarding process. This guide is here to help you navigate your responsibilities and set clear expectations.
Buddy Time Commitment
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We know you have your own workload, so being a Buddy is designed to be a manageable commitment. Ideally, plan to spend 15–20 minutes each day checking in with your new joiner during their first two days. After that, aim for regular but less frequent check-ins (about twice a week) as they gain more confidence in their role. This is optional but encouraged. The goal is to be available and approachable without it becoming overwhelming for either of you.
The Role of a Buddy
Your role as a Buddy is to:
- Welcome and support: Ensure the new joiner feels part of the team from day one.
- Share knowledge: Help them understand how we work, your contributions, tools and processes to cultural norms.
- Build confidence: Encourage open communication so they feel comfortable reaching out to you with questions.
- Provide guidance: Share your observations on how they’re settling in and offer advice to help them succeed.
- What to avoid: While being a Buddy is all about support and guidance, it’s important to maintain professional boundaries and keep interactions respectful. Avoid asking questions that are too personal, commenting on their workspace, or overloading with information.
Day 1 – Getting Started:
The first 2 days are crucial for building rapport and helping the new joiner feel comfortable. Here’s how you can structure your initial interactions:
- Day 1 Welcome
Start with a casual conversation to break the ice. Share your experience at rtCamp, and get to know the new joiner.
Example:- “What are you most excited about in this new role?”
- “Here’s what I wish I knew on my first day at rtCamp…”
- Check-ins
Take 5-10 minutes each day to answer any questions, guide them through key tools, and check how they’re settling in. Cover the basics like Slack communication, the processes we use, and any immediate tasks they’re expected to work on.
For example:- “How are you finding the internal tools so far? Any questions?”
- “Let me take you through the process to raise a helpdesk ticket”
- Introductions
Make sure to inform them who they can reach out to for any concerns. You are not expected to have all the answers – however, you can always point the new joiner to the right people. This helps them feel more connected and know whom to approach for different needs.
Day 2 and Beyond: Guiding and Supporting
By the second day, the new joiner will start getting more familiar with their role, but your guidance is still essential. Plan for shorter but meaningful check-ins to ensure they’re adjusting well. Keep the conversation flowing by addressing any challenges they might face and offering advice.
Key areas to cover:
- Workflows: Make sure they are comfortable with the workflow and understand expectations around deadlines and deliverables.
- Company Culture: Share insights about rtCamp’s culture that might not be obvious, like how we approach meetings, feedback, and collaboration.
Sample question:
- “How are you finding the pace of work so far? Anything you need help with?”
Ongoing Support: Ensuring Confidence and Independence
After the initial onboarding period, your role transitions into more of a support system. The goal is for them to feel confident enough to reach out to you whenever they need advice, even beyond the official Buddy period.
Buddy Program Expectations
Once the HR team confirms you as a buddy for a new joiner, ensure you’re clear with the core expectations:
- Be approachable: Ensure the new joiner feels they can reach out to you without hesitation.
- Check in regularly: Daily check-ins for the first two days, followed by less frequent, but consistent, check-ins.
- Offer support: Help them navigate work processes, introduce them to key people, and clarify any questions they have.
- Guide cultural integration: Help them understand how things work at rtCamp.
By the end of the Buddy Program, the new joiner should feel fully integrated into the team, confident in their role, and comfortable reaching out for support whenever needed.
With this guide, you’ll have everything you need to make the Buddy Program a success and ensure a positive experience for your new rtCamper. Thank you for playing such an important role in their onboarding journey!