Having A Buddy In The Workplace

Whenever anyone starts a new job, it can be quite stressful, challenging and daunting. Therefore, having a buddy in the workplace can be such a help to both the employee and employer by smoothing the transition into the new work regime and pairing the new employee with an experienced employee in order to feel part of the team, which in time they will feel wanted and so could increase retention.
The workplace buddy’s objectives are to;
• Give the new employee a tour of their new workplace and introduce them to the other staff.
• Explain what the accepted behaviour is expected in and around the workplace.
• Be available for any questions if the employee is not sure on anything and needs help.
• Get to know the employee and recognise if there

This will influence the employee or team to do a better job next time and show better results. So a request for a specific change in the future is better than pointing out something that is negative in the past. Using the ‘I’ method instead of the ‘You’ method deters the employee going on a defensive position and could negatively retaliate. As a leading person or manager, owning up to your mistakes swiftly and emphatically, will influence your subordinates to do the same, due to you showing your strength and character as a work colleague and as a manager and this will help to deliver constructive criticism in the future.
In any workplace or organisation, there is always something that you can find positive even on an unsuccessful project. Always start the feedback in a sincere and honest manner and by doing so, you will have made them feel wanted and valued which then opens the door for constructive criticism, and will be taken on board by the employees in a positive manner. It is important to both parties that the employees’ abilities are praised and identified which will again push the employee to do better. When giving praise, encouragement and feedback to the employee, make it relevant and specific to their work.