As a buddy, your role is to be a supportive point of contact while someone is away and when they return. The aim is to help them stay connected in a way that works for them, and ease the transition back into work.

Your role before they go on leave

The person taking partner leave will work with their manager on planning their handover, but there are a few ways you can support ahead of their leave:

• Check in and let them know you’ll be their buddy – ask how they’d like to stay in touch while they’re off.
• If you’re in the same team, it might be helpful to join a handover chat so you’ve got some context.
• Chat through what kind of updates might be useful while they’re off - and how they want this captured Notion doc, Asana.

While they’re on leave

This depends on what was agreed before they went off, but here’s what your support might look like:

• Send a Slack message if they have said they want to stay connected - could be a quick hello or brief update from the team.
• Keep a short Notion doc or Slack thread with key links or updates for a smooth handover.
• Be available if they check in with a question or just want a familiar face to say hi.

When they return

Returning to work after a few weeks away (and not a lot of sleep!) can feel like a lot. You can help ease that transition:

• Catch up for a coffee (virtual or in person) to welcome them back and chat through anything they’ve missed.
• Flag any key updates, changes or things to prioritise first – you don’t need to give a full debrief, just help them find their feet again.
• Be around for questions or informal support – sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

Your impact