Peer Onboarding

Background

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) is a strategic partner providing technology leadership solutions and support that promote the research, education, and community service goals of the University.  OIT is made up of 420 staff and 70 student employees in seven divisions that serve the campus community with IT services in fulfillment of UCI’s mission. With a large, diverse, and geographically-separated organization, an onboarding program provides valuable context and a network to the new hire, benefitting the organization in tangible and intangible ways.

Summary

The Peer Onboarding Program is designed to create an engaged, culturally-adept workforce by welcoming new employees with a dedicated peer-to-peer network and by sharing resources and guidance for any questions and needs that arise. Also important for cultural transformation; one of the most significant opportunities to advance organizational culture takes place when onboarding new employees, because the values/expectations are introduced on day one.

Employees that onboard with a guide or buddy experience a 36% increase in satisfaction. A holistic and personal onboarding experience boosts employee engagement. An employee serving as a guide in the first 100 days of employment is vital for new hires to feel connected and supported.

The OIT Peer Onboarding Program is designed to:

  • Limit new employee’s feeling of being “lost” when starting a new role
  • Set expectations of organizational culture from day one
  • Conduct organizational knowledge transfer, providing valuable context to new employees
  • Provide a social “in” for new employees by providing access to social and professional networks, both in and outside of OIT
  • Be beneficial for both peers and new hires

 

Program Goals  

Every new employee should feel comfortable, welcomed, and set up for success in their new role in OIT and at UCI, understanding and embodying OIT culture and values.

This program is designed to foster OIT cultural values from day one, to ensure a smooth transition for new employees into OIT and UCI and to give a space for questions and feedback that arise when adjusting to a new work environment.