Starting a new job can be nerve wracking. Learning your role, getting to know your coworkers, and assimilating to your company’s culture takes time.
According to Hays, an expert recruiting company, ”Adjustments in your new role and everything that comes with it could take anywhere from three to six months, and sometimes longer depending on the technicality and seniority of the role.”
I started my new position as a Marketing Communication Specialist at Beekley Medical on March 10th of this year. On March 23rd, just nine business days later, I was learning my new role from my living room couch with my son sitting next to me watching Sesame Street. To say this has been the most unusual orientation period during my career would be an understatement.
Learning the Ropes
Luckily for me, before accepting this position I had years of marketing experience under my belt which has helped a great deal. An even bigger factor that has helped me tremendously is Beekley’s company culture.
Even though I had only worked in the office for less then two weeks, I knew between myself and my coach that we would be able to figure out social distancing orientation together.
Not only has my coach been a huge help in teaching me my new role and what Beekley is all about, my fellow co-workers (some of whom I still haven’t officially met) have been a great sense of support.
I recently completed my first 90 days as a Beekley employee and even though there wasn’t a celebratory lunch as there would have been with a “normal” new employee, there was no lack of encouragement. I received multiple emails congratulating me and officially welcoming me to the Beekley family.
Making Footprints
On my first day at Beekley I received a binder with tons of information about Beekley. Some of it was what you might expect, a list of associate phone numbers, a calendar/holiday schedule, and the company’s mission statement and core values.
Also included in this binder, was a section devoted to “Footprints”, their orientation program for new associates. Typically, this program is done in the office with all new employees that have been hired over the past three months or so. However, myself and one other new sales associate experienced it online.
For two hours a day, for three days we logged into GoToMeeting and learned about Beekley’s history, the Fish Philosophy, the Hedgehog Concept, the 6 Thinking Hats, and so much more. Each segment was taught by a current associate. In total, 11 different people took time out of their day to make sure we learned what a great small company Beekley Corporation truly is.
Back to the Office
Starting in July, associates that have been social distancing and working from home are allowed to work in the office one day a week on a rotating schedule.
I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to this. I’d like to think it’s because I’m a hard worker and because staying at home is getting a bit boring, but to be completely honest I think it’s because I have a great office to return to.
I’m excited to jump back into training with my coach in the same room and to finally meet co-workers I haven’t met yet (even from 6 feet apart). More importantly I am excited to implement the two biggest things I learned in Footprints, how to deliver world class customer care all while having fun!
Megan Sargalski
Marketing Communications Specialist
