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Human Resources vocabulary · Onboarding

Buddy

Meaning in human resources, with examples

/ˈbʌdi/nounCommon term

In human resources, buddy means: An experienced colleague chosen to help a new employee in their first weeks by answering everyday questions and introducing them to people.

In Turkish: işe alışma arkadaşı, rehber çalışan

How it is used

Part of many onboarding programmes (buddy system, onboarding buddy). A buddy is usually not the new person's manager, and the relationship is informal and friendly.

Example sentences

  1. Your buddy will take you to lunch on your first day and show you around.

  2. We ask every buddy to check in with their new starter at least once a week.

Common collocations

  • onboarding buddy
  • buddy system
  • assign a buddy
  • buddy programme
  • onboardingThe process of welcoming a new employee and helping them settle in, from paperwork and equipment to meeting the team and learning the job.
  • new hireA person who has recently joined a company, usually in their first weeks or months of work.
  • mentoringA working relationship in which a more experienced person gives advice and support to a less experienced one to help them grow in their career.
  • inductionA short programme for new employees, usually in their first days, that introduces the company, its rules, safety procedures and key people.

More terms: Onboarding

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