Peers as key contributors to the socialization of newcomers.

How can clinical laboratory managers retain employees as the shortage of medical technologists grows? They can help to ensure that new employees become satisfied and productive by using peers as agents for socialization. According to results from both oral interviews and written questionnaires, peers bring newcomers "on board" by providing key information. Responses of 83 organizational newcomers indicate that peers have four qualities: accessibility; empathy; organizational experience; technological proficiency; that equip them to contribute significantly to the socialization of newcomers. Also, joining a newcomer with a peer helps the newcomer to acquire essential, work-related information.