Assigning a Buddy for Your New Hire

A buddy is a partner for the new hire during their first 3-6 months of employment. They provide guidance and support as well as help the new hire adapt to the department’s culture.

The purpose of assigning a buddy is to welcome and support new employees at the University of Florida. Buddies serve as a reliable point of contact for basic questions and assist new hires in getting set up for success.

Buddy Selection

• Familiarity with the department’s culture, values, and vision ​
• Consistency between words and actions while setting standards​
• A positive role model from the department​
• Familiarity with the new hire’s role​
• At least one year of experience in their role​
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills​
• Similar job role for job-specific feedback​
• Accessibility to the new hire​
• Trustworthiness and reporting concerns when necessary​
• Potential interest in a leadership position​

• Monthly formal meetings (30 minutes)
• Daily check-ins (5-15 minutes) for questions and relationship-building
• Resource for expectations, assignment clarification, policies, and workplace norms
• Create a comfortable environment for questions and concerns
• Point of contact for the new employee
• Introduce colleagues and customers
• Provide feedback and encouragement
• Understand the link between the new hire’s success and the team’s success
• Reliably maintain confidential information
• Be a role model for the new hire and the department

IMPORTANT: The new hire and the buddy should check in regularly to ensure a successful relationship, but this doesn’t replace check-ins with the direct supervisor.

Feedback helps others succeed in their roles and encourages a culture of efficiency, trust, and support.

Reinforcement

Reinforce positive behaviors and performance. Let the new hire know when they meet or exceed expectations.

Redirection

1. Ask for permission to provide feedback

2. State your intention to help them improve

3. Describe the situation, behavior observed, and its impact

• If there’s an issue with a co-worker, report it to the direct supervisor immediately.
• If there’s an issue with the direct supervisor, suggest contacting HR or the supervisor’s superior.
• If the new hire is dissatisfied with their position, listen, discuss, and involve the supervisor if necessary.
• If there’s mistreatment or misconduct, report it to UFHR – Employee Relations or the department’s HR representative.

Make sure new hires know they have multiple resources for questions and support, including HR and the direct supervisor.