Facilities Pilot Buddy Program

2020 Goals:Attract, Retain & Reward Top People

Office of Human ResourcesJuly 16, 2014

The Buddy Program:

Onboarding

A buddy program is a means of welcoming and encouraging new employees to help them in their first few months and up to 1 year to build a personal connection with Clemson University.

A “Buddy” can contribute to the success of a newly hired employee by…….

1. Scheduling regular contact, such as lunch, coffee, and phone calls

2. Sharing insights about “how things are done around campus”

3. Discussing why you like working here and the Clemson culture, and

4. Answering questions and providing resources.

What Does it Take? Key Characteristics of a Buddy:

• Communicator

• Role Model

• Motivated

• Strong Performer

Purpose: • To help welcome new employees and reaffirm their

decision to join our Clemson family.

• It provides new employees with a reliable, motivated, single point-of-contact for their basic questions regarding their work experience at Clemson.

• It also helps establish orientation as a process of onboarding, rather than a single learning event.

Why Have a Buddy?

Buddy Program Advantages:

Having a Buddy program offers significant advantages for the new employee, Clemson, and the Buddy.

Why Have a Buddy?

For the New Employee:• One-on-one assistance• Jump-start on networking• Single point-of-contact; and• Smooth transition into the department and onboarding

period.

For the Buddy:• Opportunity to encourage and engage others• Enhanced leadership and communication skills; and• Recognition as a strong performer / team player

Buddy Program Advantages

Buddy Program Advantages

For Clemson:

• Increased employee satisfaction and retention• Increased employee communication• Enhanced employee development• Enhanced quality work processes; and• Increased employee productivity

Buddy Selection Criteria

Selection should be based on the following characteristics:

• Demonstrates strong performance• Is given time to be accessible to the new employee• Proud of Clemson University• A peer of the new employee• Patient; good communication and interpersonal skills• Wants to be a buddy• Well regarded and accepted by current employees.

Buddy Responsibilities

• Contact and meet with the new employee on Day 1• Establish rapport with the new employee• Have lunch with the new employee at least once a

month• Act as an informational resource on policies and

procedures• Helps socialize the new employee to Clemson’s

guidelines, norms, and culture• Answer general / routine questions• Follow up with the new employee on a weekly basis.

Tips for Buddies

• Be patient: • It takes time to develop a relationship. Don’t

try to cover everything right away.

• Be positive:• New employees will grow into their roles if

given proper reinforcement.

• Don’t be judgmental….simply offer feedback.

Buddy Resources

• Buddy Program Checklist• Employee Interest Sheet