Buddy Guide – Supporting New Hires at Lowcode

Welcome to the Buddy Program! 🎉 As a Buddy, you play a key role in helping new hires feel welcomed, supported, and prepared during their first few weeks at Lowcode. This guide provides everything you need to know to succeed in your role.

1. Your Role as a Buddy

What is a Buddy?

A Buddy is a supportive peer who helps a new team member navigate their first days, weeks, and months at Lowcode. Your primary responsibility is to make the new hire feel comfortable and confident in their new role.

What You’ll Do:

Act as the go-to person for questions about tools, processes, and culture.
Provide insights into day-to-day work and team dynamics.
Be a friendly face to ease their integration into the team.

2. Buddy Responsibilities

Day 1: Setting the Tone

Meet the new hire for a coffee chat or virtual introduction (ideally you would jump on a huddle for some face-to-face time).
Walk them through key tools (Slack, Plutio, etc.) and answer any immediate questions.
Join the welcome meeting with the team to help them feel part of the group.

Week 1: Building the Connection

Schedule daily check-ins via Slack to address questions and offer guidance.
Share tips on navigating company tools, processes, or unwritten rules.
Encourage them to participate in team Slack channels.

Weeks 2–4: Supporting Independence

Transition to weekly check-ins via Slack to discuss progress, challenges, and any questions.
Share your own experiences to provide perspective.

Day 30: Closing the Buddy Program

Schedule a wrap-up meeting to reflect on the onboarding experience.
Gather feedback on what worked well and where they might need additional support.
Share your insights with the manager and HR team.

Note: Daily and weekly check-ins through Slack are sufficient. If you prefer having calls instead, that's completely fine and up to you.

3. Tips for Being a Great Buddy

Do’s:

Be approachable: Let them know you’re available for questions, no matter how small.
Be patient: Give them time to adjust and absorb new information.
Be proactive: Check in regularly, even if they don’t ask for help.
Be empathetic: Remember what it felt like to be new and offer reassurance.

Dont's:

Don’t overwhelm them with too much information at once.
Don’t judge their questions or mistakes—focus on encouragement.
Don’t take on the role of their manager; focus on peer support.

4. Common Scenarios and How to Handle Them

The new hire feels overwhelmed:

Acknowledge their feelings and suggest breaking tasks into smaller steps.
Share how you managed similar situations when you were new.

They’re struggling with a tool or process: Offer to walk them through it or connect them with someone who can help.

They’re hesitant to ask questions: Encourage an open dialogue by sharing examples of questions you had when you were new.

They’re excelling and need more challenges: Suggest ways they can go above and beyond, such as exploring advanced features of a tool or volunteering for a small project.

5. Resources for Buddies

Buddy Check-In Templates

Daily Check-In:

“How are you feeling about today’s tasks?”
“Any questions about tools or processes?”
“Is there anything I can help clarify?”

Weekly Check-In:

“How do you feel about your progress so far?”
“Are there any challenges you’re facing?”
“What’s been the highlight of your week?”

Wrap-Up Meeting:

“How would you describe your onboarding experience in one word?”
“What’s been the most helpful part of having a Buddy?”
“Is there anything you think we could improve for future hires?”

6. Buddy FAQs

What if I don’t have the answer to a question? It’s okay not to know everything! Point the new hire to their manager or HR for additional support.
How much time should I spend as a Buddy? The time commitment varies, but aim for 10–15 minutes daily during the first week and weekly 15–30 minute check-ins afterward.
What if the new hire isn’t engaging? Encourage participation gently and share your own experiences to build trust.

Thank you for being a Buddy and making a difference in someone’s onboarding journey! Your support helps create a welcoming, collaborative culture at Lowcode.