Starting a new job is exciting, but let’s be honest, it can also feel a little overwhelming. New names, new tools, new responsibilities, and that big question on your mind: “Will I fit in here?”
At GoHealth Slovakia, we know those first days matter. That’s why we’ve built an onboarding experience that’s not just about processes and paperwork, but about people. From your very first coffee to your first team meeting, we are trying to design everything to make you feel welcomed, prepared, and part of something meaningful. And at the heart of it all is our Buddy Program.
The First Day, Step by Step
Every newcomer is welcomed at the reception and starts the day with a friendly coffee or tea with our HR Generalist. It’s a casual moment, but an important one, where they receive an overview of how our Operations team works (our Operations team is here to support every part of your GoHealth journey and it includes our office management, IT support colleagues, accountants, recruitment and employer branding specialists, and other people-focused roles that make sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly), how the organizational structure fits together and how they fit into the wider GoHealth family.
From there, the onboarding becomes hands-on and practical:
- an introduction to company benefits,
- a guided tour of our internal Confluence pages,
- how to track working time, absences, and vacations,
- information about our referral program,
and an overview of internal communication tools like Inside Call and our newsletter, so new hires know where to stay informed and connected.
New hires also receive a welcome package, take a professional photo, and upload a short personal intro to Confluence – a small step that goes a long way in helping everyone get to know each other faster.
They’ll receive a tour of the office, get introduced to colleagues across departments, and then meet with our IT team for a technical setup. The team typically heads out for a welcome lunch together and security training follows shortly after that in the afternoon.
It’s a full (but thoughtfully paced) first day. And at the center of it all is something that makes the GoHealth experience truly unique: our Buddy Program.
First-Day Jitters (and How We Handle Them)
Most of us remember our own first day: not knowing where the kitchen is, how to join meetings, or who to ask about lunch. That’s exactly why every new colleague at GoHealth gets a personal buddy – a teammate who’s been here longer, knows the ropes, and is ready to make the transition easier (and a lot more fun).
The Buddy Program
Your buddy is your go-to person from day one. They’ll guide you through things like:
- how to navigate internal tools,
- where to find important resources,
- and yes, where the best coffee in the office hides.
But more importantly, they’re your translator for the “unwritten rules” – which MS Teams channels are worth following, when to jump into foosball chaos mode, or how we celebrate product launches.
Buddies aren’t managers, they’re peers. That means you can ask the “silly questions” without hesitation, share your first-week impressions, or simply grab lunch together. And for the buddy, it’s a rewarding way to pass on experience, build friendships, and shape someone’s journey from the very beginning.
At the same time, being a buddy is also a great learning opportunity. It sharpens soft skills, encourages empathy, and introduces the basics of mentoring. For many, it’s a valuable stepping stone toward future leadership roles. Acting as a buddy is not just about support, it’s also about growth on both sides.
“Being a buddy is a great clarity stress test. It makes me check whether ‘understandable to me’ is actually understandable to someone new. Explaining our stack and ways of working forces me to translate complexity into plain language – and I often spot gaps in our documentation or processes along the way.” Dávid, Lead Software Engineer
Quick Wins and Confidence Boosters
“My buddy was always very helpful and patient. The most helpful thing during the first week was his willingness to answer all my questions and make sure I felt supported while getting familiar with the basics.” Slávka, QA Analyst
Onboarding at GoHealth isn’t about throwing people into the deep end. With a buddy by your side, small wins come quickly, like completing your first task, joining your first stand-up, or simply feeling confident enough to crack a joke in the Teams chat.
Those small milestones add up fast. Within a few weeks, our new hires aren’t just “the new person” anymore, they’re fully integrated teammates.
“Three colleagues asked how long I’d been with the company and were surprised it was only two months. They said I fit in naturally and already felt like part of the GoHealth family. That gave me a real sense of belonging.” – Slávka, QA Analyst
Why It Matters
Onboarding isn’t just about first impressions, it has a real impact. Studies show that employees who experience strong onboarding are 69% more likely to stay with a company for three years and reach productivity 50% faster than those without it.
At GoHealth Slovakia, our Buddy Program ensures no one starts alone. New hires learn the essentials quickly, build relationships naturally, and feel supported from day one, all while the company benefits from smoother collaboration, fewer onboarding hiccups, and faster time-to-impact.
When people feel confident and connected early on, they can focus on what really matters: doing great work and growing with the team.
“I like watching the shift from uncertainty to confidence. Making someone feel welcome and giving them practical shortcuts—from tool access to why the build is red—removes friction and speeds up their first wins. The best part is the mutual learning: newcomers bring fresh perspectives, and their questions often help us improve our code, docs, and habits.” Dávid, Lead Software Engineer
Ready to Join Us?
Thinking about joining us? Your future buddy is already waiting. Check out our open positions and see if GoHealth Slovakia is the right next step for you.
