Why Buddy System is a must @ Startups

 The startup ecosystem is attracting thousands of talented brains all over the world. The Startup culture is typically a workplace environment that values creative problem solving, open communication, and a flat hierarchy. In these startups, the connection and effective communication between employees play a vital role in achieving the organizational objectives.

So here let us see how a Buddy system at a startup is helpful for open communication.

Buddy System

The buddy system is an arrangement in which two individuals, the "buddies", operate together as a single unit so that they are able to monitor and help each other with one of them assuming the more predominant role.

Buddy System at workplace

A buddy system is an onboarding and knowledge sharing method commonly used to orient new employees. However, The buddy's role is not to be the new employee's supervisor, It involves assigning him or her to a workplace buddy. The use of a buddy system may accelerate the productivity of new hires and enhance job satisfaction and in the long term retaining individuals. Such a system helps build an immediate personal connection between the new employee and the organization.

Difference between a buddy and a mentor

A buddy is someone you hang out with and a buddy is someone you get help from whereas mentoring is all about being a role model of how to handle life's challenging situations, to make decisions, to have ambitions, etc and a mentor is more concerned with your “being”-guiding you through life situations that you may not like.

How to set up a Buddy System at the Workplace?

1.Framework Development - Clearly outline the purpose & end goals of the program.

2. Specify the Tasks and Expectations of the Program

3. Find Buddies

4. Map with the new hires.

Responsibilities of a Buddy

-Explaining unfamiliar tasks

-Familiarizing with Company guidelines, norms, etc.

-Involving the new employees in Social or Informal activities like Coffee/Lunch, etc

Responsibilities of an HR in the Buddy Program

- Be the Champion of Buddy Program

-Designing and Implementing the Buddy system

- Periodically determining the effectiveness of the Buddy system.

Purpose of Buddy System

It encourages open and effective communication between peers and tends to break down the barriers which result in collaborative learning.

Outcomes

-It's easy to make a new employee more comfortable at the workplace.

-Boosts new hires' productivity.

- Increase in employee retention ratio.

- Engaging,Increase Retention &Cost-Effective.

Conclusion

After understanding the importance of the Buddy System and the outline of designing the program, you can start slowly with the upcoming new joiners and see how effective the program is, and don't forgot to collect feedback from new employees for recalibration.