Starting a new job is an exciting milestone, but it’s often accompanied by uncertainty and the challenge of navigating unfamiliar territory. This experience is all too common—Gallup reports that 88% of employees feel their company’s onboarding process is ineffective. Research by Brandon Hall Group finds organizations with a strong onboarding experience improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%.
At Choozle, we’re addressing this gap with our Buddy Program, designed to transform onboarding into a supportive, engaging, and empowering experience. By pairing new hires with experienced team members, we ensure that everyone feels welcomed, equipped, and confident to thrive from day one. It’s more than just a system—it’s our commitment to building stronger teams and fostering a culture where everyone succeeds together.
According to SHRM, “a buddy system may accelerate the productivity of new hires and enhance job satisfaction, making it easier for employers to retain individuals. Such a system helps build an immediate personal connection between the new employee and the organization.”
Choozle’s buddy system isn’t just a gesture; it’s a strategic initiative designed to enhance job satisfaction, foster inclusivity, and accelerate productivity from day one. What makes Choozle’s approach unique? We give all new hires the option to choose a buddy and encourage cross-departmental pairings. This creates opportunities for deeper understanding and collaboration across the company.
What Is a Work Buddy at Choozle?
A work buddy is more than just a helpful colleague. They are:
- A guide who can offer insights, answer questions, and share company knowledge.
- A trusted colleague who provides a confidential and personal connection beyond a managerial relationship.
- A resource to help new hires feel included, connected, and confident in their new role.
Buddies at Choozle are equipped to make the onboarding experience smoother and more enjoyable by organizing check-ins, initiating casual conversations, and helping new hires navigate informal aspects of their roles and the workplace culture.
How the Buddy System Works
We’ve designed a buddy system that prioritizes the needs of our new hires while fostering cross-departmental collaboration:
- Opt-In and Selection
- New employees can decide whether they’d like a buddy, specify their preferred buddy, or be matched with one by our People Ops team.
- We recommend selecting a buddy from a different department to build relationships and foster a broader company perspective.
- Setting Expectations
- Buddies set clear expectations and dedicate time during the first weeks to guide and support their new hire.
- The relationship remains informal yet structured, ensuring the new hire feels both supported and at ease.
- Building Inclusivity
- Cross-departmental pairings enhance understanding of different functions and promote inclusivity within the organization.
- Buddies introduce new hires to company events, lunches, slack channels, or informal gatherings to help them feel included from the start.
- Ongoing Support
- Buddies organize regular check-ins and maintain open, organic communication throughout the first 3 – 6 months.
- People Ops checks in at 30 and 90 days to ensure the buddy relationship is beneficial and meets expectations.
- Continuous Improvement
- Buddies participate in quarterly group discussions to share best practices, brainstorm ideas, and refine the program.
- If a buddy or new hire feels the partnership isn’t working, People Ops steps in to address concerns and offer solutions.
Hot tip: The experts at Indeed suggest asking each new hire what kind of person they would like to be paired with. For example, you could ask them whether they prefer to work with someone who’s more hands-on or someone who will just check in with them periodically.
The Impact of a Buddy at Choozle
The buddy system at Choozle provides new hires with an immediate personal connection to the organization, which is vital in today’s remote-first and hybrid work environments. This connection:
- Builds trust and inclusivity in the workplace.
- Accelerates learning and productivity by offering real-time guidance and support.
- Enhances job satisfaction and fosters a sense of belonging from day one.
Buddies also benefit from the experience, developing their leadership, listening, and mentoring skills while contributing to Choozle’s collaborative culture.
Looking Ahead
Onboarding isn’t just about getting up to speed; it’s about building a foundation for success. At Choozle, our buddy system turns this transition into an engaging, inclusive, and relationship-driven experience. By fostering cross-departmental connections and providing a safety net for new hires, we ensure that everyone joining our team feels equipped, supported, and ready to thrive.
So, if you’re joining Choozle, don’t hesitate to weigh in on your buddy selection—you’re not just choosing a guide; you’re gaining a trusted advocate who will make your first days unforgettable and your journey here extraordinary.
Ready to take the next step in your career?
At Choozle, we believe in fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation—starting from your very first day. Explore our Careers Page to discover open opportunities and learn more about what it’s like to be part of our dynamic team. Your next big career move could start here!
Christine Jones
Christine Jones is a seasoned People Operations professional with more than 15 years of diverse experience in the field. Serving as the Senior People Operations Generalist at Choozle, Christine leads all aspects of People Operations functions, playing a critical role in shaping the company’s organizational culture and enhancing employee engagement. Christine’s expertise encompasses talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, training and development, benefits administration, key initiatives, and compliance. Committed to fostering inclusive workplaces, Christine strives to ensure every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
