Editor's note: As Michell Clark noted in his June message to MGT employees, the division is launching a new onboarding program this month—the Buddy Program.

Sina James, senior supervisory administrator in the Budget and Administration section, manages the division’s Onboarding Program. We recently sat down with her to find out more about this new component.

What is the purpose of the Buddy Program?

We want to help new employees make a smooth entry into the division. This program teams the new employee with someone who is well established in the division and is able to be a guide through their first few weeks or months at the Board. The buddy is there to answer questions, make introductions, and model the division’s culture and values.

How does it work?

During the hiring process, B&A will contact the hiring manager—who should start early to think about which of their employees would make a good buddy. The buddy may not be assigned until after the selection is made, but it is good if managers can be thinking about the program now.

Ideally, the buddy would be from the new employee’s section or in the same job family. But that may not always be the case, so a close teammate within the same area could also serve.

We’ve developed a Buddy Program Guide for managers and buddies. I will be sending printed copies of the guide this week to officers, managers, and those supervisors responsible for hiring. The guide includes checklists for managers and buddies, along with recommendations and tips for making the experience the best it can be.

Once the buddy is selected, we’re recommending that the manager and buddy use the checklists in the guide to talk over the manager’s duties and the buddy’s duties in preparation for the new employee’s arrival.

What are the buddy’s duties?

We don’t want the program to be burdensome, but the buddy will need to dedicate some time to spend with the new employee. Generally, this will include:

• Welcoming the new employee on their first day
• Taking the new employee on a tour of their area
• Advising the new employee on the processes, systems, documents, policies, etc. they need to know for their position
• Checking in with the new employee regularly, either formally or informally

How are buddies selected?

The hiring manager or supervisor will contact potential buddies to see if they are willing to participate. Participation is not mandatory and does require a time commitment.

If an employee would like to volunteer to serve as a buddy, they should talk to their manager.

What makes a good buddy?

The number one skill that a buddy needs is to be a “people person”—someone who is able to share and open up, to help and pass on information. Someone who can relate to how it was to be the newbie on the block. Most importantly, someone who will create a positive environment and image for the new hire.

If you have additional questions, please contact Sina James at x3782 or any member of the B&A staff.