What is a Buddy system and why use it? Case Study of Microsoft
An approach to onboarding new employees that encourages knowledge sharing is referred to as a buddy system.
Every newly hired employee is paired with a current employee who will mentor them during their initial weeks or months in the company. Both parties share information.
This approach allows the new employee to provide feedback confidentially, the idea exchange benefits the firm.
Buddy System – Microsoft
According to Jeaneen Andrews-Feldman, the Society for Human Resource Management's Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, “a buddy program should be in place for at least the first six months of an employee’s tenure.”
About 97% of new hires in a 2018 Microsoft study said that onboarding buddies helped them rapidly to become productive if they interacted with their buddies eight times or more within the first 90 days.
According to Joe Whittinghill, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President Of Talent, Learning, and Insights, “more than 80% of employees hired on since the pandemic have had an onboarding buddy”—approximately 10% more than pre-Covid era.
Why adopt a Buddy System?
An effective procedure of onboarding new hires enables your firm to succeed over the long run.
Giving new hires a buddy, who serves as a dependable and fervent single point of contact for any queries.
How to establish a Buddy System at Work?
1. Framework
Start by outlining the program's objectives as well as any aims you may have for the business or its personnel.
Note the duration of each pairing as well as any guidelines for the buddy relationships.
2. Identify Buddies
Identify volunteers to help with the training of fresh recruits.
Because confining the system to the HR department is not optimal, it is crucial to have volunteers from several departments.
3. Pair New Recruits
Assuring that they are partnered with people who share their aims and characteristics by asking the new recruits certain questions would assist immensely.
It is crucial to know the learning or teaching method they like since some new recruits do well with a buddy that gives them interactive learning training.
4. Manage Expectations
The Buddy system should establish clear expectations and duties. Enlist all the subjects and assignments you want each buddy to discuss with the newly hired employee.
How to select the ideal Buddy?
Impeccable Track Record
The buddy ought to set a positive example for the group as well as have a solid record of accomplishments in their present and past professional endeavors.
Knowledgeable
Previously the buddy may have held the same position or carried out tasks that are alike to those of the position.
Robust Communication Skills
It is extremely crucial for the new recruit to be partnered with a person who actively listens to comprehend the demands of the new hire. The communication skills of that person must be highly developed.
Peer Role Model
A supervisor would not be a good buddy because the buddy system is meant to pair employees with others who have similar job roles (peers).
Time Bandwidth
The buddy should also have the time to help someone else out with their responsibilities.
Proactive
The new hire may be perceived as a strain on the buddy if they are made to engage forcefully, which in turn may have unanticipated implications.
Advantages of using a Buddy System
Fresh hires feel Important
Any new job's first week can be a scary time.
To make new hires feel more comfortable and pick up on the systems and procedures used by your company rapidly if they are paired with more experienced staff members.
Employee’s confidence Increased
There is a learning curve in every job, regardless of whether the employee has prior expertise in that industry.
Rise in Productivity
Because new employees are still learning, they perform their jobs slowly. This entails some level of patience.
Expecting your fresh hires to be less productive than your seasoned veterans is natural.
A buddy helps new hires go faster through the learning curve, which boosts their productivity.
Chances of Retention of Employee
Frequently, the cost of employing a new member of staff is higher than the cost of keeping an existing one.
Gain New Perspectives and ideas
The sharing of ideas can open up possibilities for original thought and innovation.
The administration then gains access to new ideas, methods, and techniques that were not previously deliberated.
For instance, when someone is hired in similar roles with years of expertise, the new employee can contribute insightful information.
Timestamps
This video is on Buddy System and it has the following sub-topics.
0:15 - What is a Buddy System?
0:41 - Buddy System Example – Microsoft
1:44 - Why adopt a Buddy System?
2:10 - How to establish a Buddy System at Work?
3:40 - How to select the ideal Buddy?
4:56 - Advantages of using a Buddy System