Colleague Connect is a new match type that enables everyone to learn from anyone. Colleague Connect differs from mentorship because organizations typically set up a matching algorithm rule enforcing a gap in seniority or tenure between mentees and mentors. Colleague Connect does not require a seniority gap to make a match. Whether it's new managers seeking guidance or parents looking for shared experiences, Colleague Connect reduces barriers and opens doors to valuable, relatable connections.

Differences vs mentorship

• No seniority gap required between users in a match
• Users have the same role (Colleague) in a match
• More informal
• Allows for a new, optional matching process called Roulette (see more details below)

Similarities to mentorship

• Configurable algorithm, including skills and goals-based matching
• Comes with agendas for discussions
• Colleague Connect can also be the only match type for a program, i.e. a Colleague Connect-only program is possible.

Benefits

• Ability to have peer-to-peer learning
• A way to make more matches when you are limited by mentor availability
• Ability to give people a peer match while also giving them a mentor

You can create a stand-alone Colleague Connect Program by using one of our Customizable Templates or you can add it to an Existing Program as another match type.

Use case: Peer Mentorship

Some customers prefer to use Colleague Connect similarly to mentorship, where users are encouraged to book multiple sessions together (e.g. 2-6 sessions) and focus on the depth of the relationship. They may treat this very similarly to a traditional mentorship relationship but without the focus on hierarchy or separate role labels of "mentor" and "mentee". 

For this use case, we recommend using a matching process with approval, such as user-led or admin-led, because users will be getting into longer-term relationships. 

Use case: Networking / Coffee Chats

Some customers prefer to use Colleague Connect for networking, where users have 1 informal session similar to other tools like Donut or Random Coffee. This focuses on the breadth of relationships and number of matches made. 

For this use case, we recommend the Roulette matching process.

Enable Meaningful Matches

Connecting Through Shared Skills and Goals

At the core of Colleague Connect is the ability to match individuals based on shared skills and professional goals:

Skill Development: Employees looking to develop specific skills can connect with colleagues who possess expertise in those areas, facilitating peer-to-peer learning and growth.

Goal Alignment: For those with similar professional objectives, Colleague Connect provides a platform to find and collaborate with like-minded colleagues, be it for project collaboration, idea generation, or mutual support in career progression.

Utilizing Personal Traits for Broader Networking

Colleague Connect also emphasizes the importance of personal traits such as location, department, and membership in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to establish connections. This approach enables:

Location-Based Networking: Colleagues in the same location can easily find and meet each other, enhancing local networking and community building within the organization.

Departmental Exchange: By connecting individuals from different departments, Colleague Connect breaks down silos, encouraging cross-functional understanding and collaboration.

ERG Integrations: Members of ERGs can leverage the platform to connect with peers who share similar interests or backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the organization.

With this in mind, you can also learn more about our new approach to how fields work in this article: What are Identity and Personal Development Fields?

Enabling Colleague Connect 

Enabling Colleague Connect for your existing program(s) is a simple process. Head over to the Matching tab in your program and click on + Add Match Type or Matching Templates.

If you select + Add a New Match Type, the Coffee Chats match type (Colleague Connect) will automatically appear. To access other Colleague Connect templates, select See All Templates.

Once you click See All Templates, select which Colleague Connect match type you would like to add to your program. The Coffee Chats template is Roulette matching by default while Peer Mentorship template is User-Led.

If you go the Matching Templates route, you will see two Colleague Connect templates that you can use by selecting the Create button.

Explore Possibilities with Customizable Templates

Colleague Connect offers a range of customizable templates, each one can cater to different objectives. Whether you are aiming to enhance cross-departmental interactions, streamline onboarding processes, or address specific learning needs, Colleague Connect equips admins with the tools to create impactful programs effortlessly. Here are a few examples:

Coffee Chats

Ideal for informal, low-pressure interactions, the Coffee Chats template is perfect for fostering casual conversations and networking within an organization. It’s a great tool to encourage spontaneous idea exchanges and build a community feel among colleagues.

Study Buddies

For more structured learning or skill development goals, the Study Buddies template provides a framework for colleagues to pair up and learn together. This template can be used for peer-to-peer learning sessions, study groups, or collaborative skill-building activities.

Have more questions? Submit a request here and let us know how we can help!