Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library
New Employee Buddy Program
What is the Buddy Program?
The Buddy program is a program where each new employee is paired up with an experienced employee for the first 30-days of employment.
What do Buddies Do?
Buddies help show the new employee the ropes. They share their knowledge and work experiences in a friendly, informal way. They make sure that the new employee knows he/she can contact them any time. Buddies help reinforce a positive work environment and appreciative organizational culture.
What are the expectations of a Buddy?
- Attend a Buddy Training session
- Contact their new employee at least once a week through email, phone or face to face
- Arrange to take at least one 15 minute break with the new employee
- Keep a log of communication and activities to submit at the conclusion of 30 days
- Fill out and submit an evaluation/summary of your experience at the end of the 30 days
What are the objectives of the Buddy Program?
- To create a welcoming atmosphere for the new employee
- To help the new employee adjust to the work place
- To instill a sense of belonging the to the library
- To prepare staff for additional leadership roles
What are the projected outcomes of the Buddy Program?
- The new employee will receive an excellent 1-month evaluation from their supervisor
- The new employee will join Staff Association within two months of start date
- The new employee will volunteer to be a Buddy after one year of employment
What are the qualifications to be a Buddy?
- Employed at the library for a least one year
- Enthusiastic and a positive attitude about the library
- Ability to inspire others
- Excellent communication skills
- A genuine desire to help new people become acclimated to the system
- Willingness and eagerness to share experiences and knowledge
What is the time commitment for being a Buddy?
Once a Buddy is selected, he/she will remain in the “Buddy Pool” for 6 months.
