As a line manager, your job is to lead the onboarding process, not to lead all the activities.
Many line managers find it worthwhile to nominate a “buddy”, who can help the employee to settle in. Typically, this is an existing team member who will work alongside the new employee during their initial period in the organisation.
Choose a willing volunteer who enjoys helping others.
The buddy will not take over your responsibility for onboarding the employee and getting them settled, but they can act as a “go-to” colleague. They could:
- be on hand to answer the new starter’s questions, for example when undertaking a process for the first time;
- show the new starter around the workplace;
- offer guidance on practical matters, such as where to find stationery and where to have lunch near the office;
- offer guidance on how to implement policies and support the new starter with any unwritten norms; and
- help the employee with the social aspects of starting a new job, such as getting them involved in social activities with colleagues.
It often works well if the buddy and the new starter arrange regular sessions to catch up, but the buddy could also be on hand for ad-hoc support.
New starters may not be familiar with having a buddy, so make sure they understand what they are there for and that buddies are also fully briefed about their role.
