Looked after from day one – that’s how our digital onboarding works. We want new colleagues to feel welcomed and at ease from the very first moment. To make this happen, we’ve developed various onboarding initiatives – from our Welcome Day to the Buddy Programme. Here’s a rundown of what a buddy does, how newbies benefit, and how it all comes together.
Digital Onboarding: Welcome to the Team – Even from Home
Our onboarding for new employees is completely remote. Our Welcome Day is also held entirely online: on their first day, Newbies log in via MS Teams and are guided through the Welcome Day activities.
Goal of the Buddy Programme
- Make onboarding at Kaufland e-commerce an experience!
- Foster integration within the company.
- Enable the Newbie to stand quickly on their own two feet.
- Reaffirm the Newbie’s decision to join Kaufland e-commerce.
The Buddy Programme aligns with our company principle: Role Model at All Times
We always set a good example. We are empathetic, honest, thoughtful, reliable, and consistent. We actively seek and provide constructive feedback.
What Happens on Welcome Day?
- Get to know the company and its culture
- Small introductory sessions with other Newbies
- Key information for everyday work (HR management tool, feedback process, available training)
- First meeting with new colleagues in their department
- Introduction to department heads and – very importantly – their own Buddy
Our digital Welcome Day happens via Google Meets.
So, What Exactly is a Buddy?
To ensure our Newbies feel especially welcome, every new employee is paired with a Buddy from their team from day one for three months. This Buddy acts as a personal mentor, helping with onboarding and acclimatising to our company culture.
A Buddy is primarily your go-to person – someone to help you settle in socially and integrate into your team. This is particularly important in a remote setting, where you don’t bump into colleagues over coffee or lunch. Your Buddy ensures you feel integrated and connected.
What Does a Buddy Actually Do?
- Acts as a point of contact, guide, and social link to the company
- Supports the onboarding process
- Helps you navigate any uncertainties at the start, so you can find your feet quickly
- Accompanies you on a social level, sharing unwritten rules, dos and don’ts, as well as our values and culture
- Is your personal contact for any questions beyond the technical aspects
How Our Buddy Programme Works
Once your start date is confirmed, we decide which of your future team members will be your Buddy. The programme then unfolds as follows:
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First Day of Work: Your Buddy arranges a get-to-know session for your first day. You’ll share a bit about yourselves, and they’ll provide important tips and discuss the next steps.
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First Week: During this time, your Buddy sets up a coffee date so you can get to know each other better. They’ll introduce you to the most important and interesting Slack channels and explain our benefits.
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After the First Week: Your Buddy will regularly check in to see how your onboarding is going, whether you’re feeling comfortable, and if you have any questions.
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After the First Month: After your first four weeks at Kaufland e-commerce, our HR team will contact both you and your Buddy to organise a virtual Buddy lunch. This is a chance for everyone to catch up via Teams and enjoy a lunch of your choice, courtesy of the company.
Win-Win: Buddies Benefit Too
Buddies also gain from this role: they have the opportunity to be directly involved in the company’s development. Plus, they can enhance their mentoring skills, knowledge, and soft skills like social competencies and communication abilities.