What Is A Buddy?
A Buddy is an experienced and engaged team member who has a good understanding of the work environment. They are willing to provide time, be accessible and partner/support the new employee during their first three (3) months on the job. The ideal Buddy is a resource who is friendly, interpersonally effective, demonstrates patience, and is a positive role model with good communication skills. The estimated time commitment for the Buddy varies but is approximately six to ten hours over the first three months.
Who Can Be A Buddy?
Departmental staff can volunteer to participate in the program and will be assigned to the new employee by their immediate supervisor/manager. In general, a Buddy will be a peer of the new hire. The supervisor/manager is expected to review the program guidelines with the volunteering employee prior to them meeting the new hire. This will include a discussion on the program goals and expectations of them in their role prior to meeting with the new employee.
Resources
- Buddy Program FAQs
- Buddy Program Orientation Video
- Buddy Program Evaluations
Buddy Program Department Coordinators
| Department | Name | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Public Works | Bonnie Tendencia | btendencia@smcgov.org |
| San Mateo County Health | Kimberlee Kimura | kkimura@smcgov.org |
| Human Services Agency | Danette Betancourt | dtbetancourt@smcgov.org |
| Human Resources | Theresa Rabe | trabe@smcgov.org |
Goals of the Buddy Program
- To assist in helping the new employee feel welcomed and connected during their first day, first week and throughout their first 3 months on the job
- To help the new employee adjust to the County culture and their new work environment
Manager’s Responsibilities Pertaining to the Buddy
- Select positive role models as Buddy’s
- Ensure that participation in the program is strictly voluntary
- Ensure that the Buddy will have time to be accessible to the new employee
- Check in with the Buddy and new employee regularly to assess if the “Buddy Role” is helpful
Role of the Buddy
- Introduce yourself and welcome the new employee on their first day of work
- Plan to follow up with them on a weekly basis for the first 3 months
- Show the new employee resources in the workplace
- Provide them with information (as requested by the manager) to help them get acclimated, feel comfortable in their new job and as a part of their new team
- Give the new employee an opportunity to connect with them and their peers
- To always remain professional
- To refer the new employee to their supervisor/manager for job specific questions
A Buddy Does Not:
- Replace the supervisor/managers role or take on any supervisory or lead duties
- Act as the “go-to” person re: assignments, business decisions, etc.
- Provide training and or assess performance
- Act as a career mentor or job coach