Sequence matters
Written guidance was most useful early. Buddy contact remained important through the initial settling period. Reflective practices became more useful over time, while monthly coaching connected practical problems with adaptive choices.
A practical cadence
The support architecture should deliberately change as the newcomer gains context.
- Pre-arrival: clarity and realistic preview
- Days 1–10: access, role and relationships
- Days 11–30: rapid issue closure
- Days 31–60: reflection and network development
- Days 61–90: consolidation and contribution review
Do not confuse tapering with withdrawal
Less frequent contact can reflect increasing independence, but it can also conceal disengagement. A structured pulse distinguishes the two.