This month at Booking Experts is all about community: a place where you feel welcome, valued, and connected. That sense of belonging is especially important at the start of a new journey, when we welcome new colleagues on board.

Our vision on learning and onboarding

Learning vision: “We envision a future where the development of employees is central to the success of the recreation industry. We believe that by empowering our employees and fostering a culture of learning, we can achieve operational success.”

This vision shapes our onboarding strategy. At Booking Experts, we recognize that successful onboarding lays the foundation for a positive and long-term collaboration, where learning and growth go hand in hand with operational success.

We approach onboarding from a holistic perspective that goes far beyond the practical aspects of the job. We want our employees to feel at home, which is why we place high value on social and cultural integration. This means focusing not only on tasks and responsibilities but also on creating a sense of connection with the team and the organization as a whole.

Why our buddies are invaluable during onboarding

Our buddies play a crucial role in building connection and trust during those first few months. They are more than just a point of contact: they offer unique, personal support that extends beyond the formal onboarding process. At Booking Experts, our buddies provide:

Ongoing development: Buddy at BEX

Personal learning and growth don't stop after the first few months. At Booking Experts, we believe in the power of continuous development and investing in our people. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of a brand-new training program in Q3: 'Buddy at BEX!'

This program is designed to better prepare current and future buddies for their role and to show appreciation for their vital contributions. They’ll receive training in key skills such as time management, communication techniques, giving constructive feedback and cultural onboarding.

Buddy at BEX not only empowers our buddies to grow, but also ensures that new employees benefit from a better and more structured onboarding experience. This helps them feel at home faster, receive more effective guidance and sets the stage for long-term collaboration.

In this way, we continue building an organization where everyone feels at home, right from day one!

Why we started the Buddy at BEX program

Sanne (L&D Specialist): ''Continuous evaluations of our onboarding processes showed that new hires highly value our buddy program during their integration, yet its full potential wasn't always reached. This led to an extensive analysis of the program's current state and future vision. We've decided to give the buddy program a more prominent and strategic role in onboarding. To achieve this, our buddies will receive tailored support, clear expectations, and practical tools, enabling them to excel in their responsibilities.''

Laura (HR Specialist), with a background in coaching, is closely involved in the training side of the program. She shares:

“The buddy program is a concrete way to make it happen: someone who stands beside you, helps you find your way, and is there to talk things through. That’s exactly what new colleagues need.

I’m excited to contribute by supporting our buddies through coaching, including on topics like communication, non-verbal cues, and personal development. What I find especially meaningful is that BEX consciously creates space for culture, connection, and growth. As part of the HR team, that’s exactly what I stand for:  building a work environment where real connection is possible and where people truly come first.”