The idea behind Social Buddy program in Dinex is to help every new employee feel welcomed and connected during their first months on the job. Being unsure what lies behind each door and feeling that people around speak a secret language filled with many abbreviations, makes it tough being a new employee in a new country. What is "normal" in the organization – what is "right" and "wrong" – what is expected of you – what is the company’s culture? Not knowing the answers to these and similar questions makes every new employee feel like an "outsider" - at least for a while. This is where a Social Buddy should step in and ensure faster integration and help create a feeling of safe and happy work environment.

Welcoming Global Talents

Smooth employee onboarding process is extremely important when welcoming our new employees to Dinex, however, welcoming international employees onboard adds additional dimensions to the process. We are not only welcoming them to Dinex – we are also welcoming them to a new country and a new culture. We wish our new international employees to feel at home as soon as it is possible and therefore Dinex HQ, based in Denmark, together with other 18 companies have joined the project Moving Global Talent that helps companies in Southern Denmark to find, onboard and retain the international talents. Together we are working on methods for onboarding international employees and sharing best practice.
The collaboration has also proven to have a positive impact on our Social Buddy program for international employees.

Social connectedness

From the very beginning of creating the program, it was clear that we see a role of Social Buddy in Dinex as social connector to the colleagues, Dinex' as well Denmark’s culture. A Social Buddy is not expected to replace direct superior's role in the process of onboarding a new employee not colleagues, but to provide support and guidance on collegial aspects, daily life and culture of the company and make sure that new employee has a good start.

Magendran - New employee

What have you personally gained of the Social Buddy program?

The Social Buddy has given me a strong base, feeling of stability and healthy working environment to start with, while being new to organization, work culture and finally country. In my opinion, this is an Ice breaker which also connects new employees to the Danish working style.

The program benefited me highly professionally and personally when I was facing new challenges.

What would you have been missing if you were not a part of this program?

If not this program, my process of establishing in the new conditions would have become more uncomfortable. People are busy with their daily work tasks and does not always have the time.

The unwritten rules of the Danish work culture would still have been unknown as well as the strange dark humor would still be mysterious.

What difference has the program made for you?

The program gave me a chance to exchange experience in working with different cultures, taught me how to connect with people around me and go the extra mile. It has provided a QuickStart and given confidence in approaching people in a right way (The Danish way).

Do you have any suggestions for future Buddies?

Honestly, it is a good initiative, working from home has made it a bit challenging, but it still worked fine. I suggest planning weekly or monthly talks besides the sporadic daily chats as well as socialization outside office, when possible.