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Onboarding Buddy Program Template
An onboarding buddy program template covering buddy selection, responsibilities, and a check-in cadence so new hires feel connected and ramp faster from week one.
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What you get
- Clear buddy selection criteria and matching guidance
- A defined buddy role with do's and don'ts
- A structured check-in cadence for the first 90 days
- A simple tracker to manage pairings across the team
Template preview
A preview of the structure. Download the PDF or CSV for the complete, ready-to-use version.
Pairing details
- New hire
- Buddy
- Manager
- Start date
Buddy selection criteria
A great buddy is a peer who models the culture and has time to help.
- Works in or near the new hire's team but is not their manager
- Has been at the company at least six months
- Is approachable, patient, and a strong culture fit
- Has capacity for regular check-ins over the first 90 days
Buddy responsibilities
- Be the go-to person for 'silly' questions
- Explain unwritten norms, tools, and who's who
- Include the new hire socially (lunch, channels, coffee)
- Check in proactively, not just when asked
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How to use this template
- 1
Pick the right buddies
Choose approachable peers — not the manager — who know the ropes and have capacity to help.
- 2
Set expectations
Share the buddy responsibilities and check-in cadence so both sides know what good looks like.
- 3
Run the cadence
Follow the week-by-week check-in rhythm and taper as the new hire becomes independent.
- 4
Gather feedback
Ask both buddy and new hire what helped at day 90 to keep improving the program.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a buddy and a mentor?
A buddy supports day-to-day settling-in over the first 90 days — logistics, norms, and connection. A mentor is a longer-term relationship focused on career growth.
Should the buddy be on the same team?
Usually a peer in or near the team works best — close enough to be relevant, but not the manager. Cross-team buddies can help broaden the new hire's network.
How much time does being a buddy take?
Plan for roughly 30 minutes a week tapering over 90 days. Make sure managers account for it so buddies aren't stretched on top of a full workload.