Starting a new job can feel like stepping into a whole new world - new faces, new systems, and a culture that’s still unfamiliar. For many employees, those first few weeks set the tone for their entire experience. That’s why creating meaningful connections early on is so important. One of the simplest ways to make that happen? A buddy program.
A buddy program pairs new employees with experienced team members who act as informal guides during the onboarding process. Unlike managers or HR representatives, buddies provide a peer-level perspective, helping new hires navigate the culture, processes, and those unwritten rules that make a workplace tick. Think of it as giving someone a friendly GPS for their first few weeks.
Starting a new role can be overwhelming. There’s a flood of information, unfamiliar faces, and the pressure to perform. Without support, new employees can feel isolated - and that feeling often leads to disengagement or even early turnover.
Buddy programs help by:
Company culture isn’t just a set of values on a wall - it’s how people interact every day. Buddy programs reinforce culture by modelling behaviours, sharing stories, and creating authentic relationships. They help new hires understand not just what the company does, but how things get done and why it matters.
For example:
Implementing a buddy program doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are five steps to get started:
Buddy programs are just as valuable - if not more so - in remote settings. Here’s how to adapt:
A buddy program is more than an onboarding tool - it’s a culture-building strategy. It signals to new hires that your organisation values connection, collaboration, and support. And when employees feel connected, they’re not just more likely to stay - they’re more likely to thrive.
So, if you’re looking for a simple, cost-effective way to strengthen your culture and improve retention, start with a buddy program. Because culture doesn’t happen by accident - it starts with connection.
For assistance with your workplace matters, Members of Australian Industry Group can contact us or call our Workplace Advice Line on 1300 55 66 77 for further information.
The HR Resource Centre’s new Attracting, Recruiting and Onboarding Talent topic has been designed by our HR and workplace relation’s experts to provide Australian Industry Group members with comprehensive resources, support and tools to help them to effectively manage the recruitment process.
This topic covers a wide range of essential aspects, including best practices for attracting top talent, innovative recruitment strategies, and effective onboarding processes.
Take advantage of more than 150 years of experience actively solving members’ workplace issues and representing their interests at the highest levels of national and state government. Being a member of Australian Industry Group makes good business sense. Call us on 1300 55 66 77 or visit our Why join page to sign up for a consultation with one of our member representatives.
Georgina is the Senior HR Content Editor – Publications at the Ai Group. With over 25 years of experience in human resources and leadership, she has demonstrated her expertise across a diverse range of industries, including financial services, tourism, travel, government, agriculture and HR advisory. She is also an accomplished writer and editor, known for creating high-quality, engaging content that educates and informs. Her writing includes a variety of formats, such as blogs, articles, policies, templates and guides.
