Starting a new job is always exciting. That’s why, at GIEC, we make it as easy as possible for new colleagues. Even before they start, they receive all the practical information they need. During the first few months, there are regular check-ins to ensure they’re never left with unanswered questions.
On their first day at work, a buddy is there to welcome them. This is a colleague who helps them settle in and whom they can turn to at any time. Sounds good, but how does it work in practice? Hannes recently celebrated his first year as a Project Manager at GIEC. An ideal moment to look back on his start together with his buddy, Magali.
Hannes: I won’t forget my first day in a hurry. I was quite nervous, but that feeling soon went away. Everything had been well prepared. My buddy gave me a warm welcome; colleagues knew I was coming, my desk had been decorated and my name was on the information screens. There was also a clear schedule in place. And when it was my birthday two days later, there was a bunting display again. It’s the little things that made a big difference.
Magali: That’s our aim too. We want new colleagues to feel welcome from day one and to know what to expect. As a buddy, I try to create a relaxed atmosphere straight away. It needs to be clear: you can come to me with any questions you have.
Hannes: I felt the same way. What I really liked was that we don’t do the same job. So we didn’t just talk about work, but mainly about other things too. That made our interaction feel natural and took the pressure off.
Magali: For specific questions, your immediate colleagues are there. They know the job inside out. As a mentor, I focus on the practical aspects and the overall experience. The HR checklist helps with that. That way, you can be sure you don’t forget anything.
Hannes (2nd from the left) and the Project Managers team at GIEC.
Hannes: I really felt that support. I quickly got to know lots of people: from IT to health and safety and HR. There were also follow-up meetings to check that everything was going well. You, too, regularly asked how things were going.
Magali: And it didn’t always have to be formal. It’s allowed to be fun, isn’t it?
Hannes: That’s right. We’ve had a lot of laughs already. Some moments really stick in the memory. Like that follow-up meeting at your garden table at home. We’d already rescheduled it a few times and ended up doing it there because you lived close to the site. That created a really relaxed atmosphere.
Magali: I really loved it when you unexpectedly decorated my desk for my birthday. To me, that sums up the buddy programme. It’s well organised, but there’s room to make it personal. That’s how you build a real bond. And it doesn’t end once the programme is over. That’s what I love most about being a buddy.
Hannes: I still feel that bond. I know I’m not on my own and that I can always turn to you. But actually, that applies to the whole of GIEC. Everyone is approachable and helps you move forward. For me, GIEC is a place where we all work together towards our goals. Ambitious, but at the same time very human.
Want to know more about the onboarding programme at GIEC?
Read here how we welcome new starters and help them get started.
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