How I Started a New Job During a Pandemic

By Courtney Svoboda, Digital Project Manager

Published: May 6, 2020

To say my first 60 days at Envano were unique would be an understatement. After all, I’ve started working during the first global pandemic in decades. But on top of the COVID-19 crisis, my time at Envano has been a one-of-a-kind experience. 

THE ONBOARDING PROCESS

Before I even stepped foot on the Envano grounds, I was receiving calendar invites galore! Meetings, happy hours, the team Facebook group, laser tag, you name it. I also got a sneak peek of my onboarding document which was filled with how-to guides, helpful information and even the good old “how do you pronounce GIF” debate. (Verdict is still out on that one.) 

On my first day, I arrived at my workstation to find a large box waiting for me but was told I couldn’t open it until our morning huddle. (The agony!) The contents of the box included fun items to adorn my new desk, candy (basic survival stuff), and books by Simon Sinek and Patrick Lencioni, two of my favorites. I was also asked to journal about my onboarding experience so our leadership team could learn what was working and what wasn’t. This allowed them the ability to quickly find gaps and make adjustments along the way. What an awesome investment in their new employees! 

A SUPPORTIVE AND COLLABORATIVE TEAM

My biggest fear was learning about digital marketing as most of my background had been in traditional media. But my worries were soon put to rest as everyone was supportive of all my questions.  

The team was open to me learning in my own way and having me shadow so I could see the final results on-screen to better understand the process. I learned my co-workers had a plethora of knowledge to share with me. Just by being around them, I absorbed knowledge about the strategies used with clients and how to test them through analytics. 

ADDING REMOTE WORKING INTO THE MIX

Working remotely has its challenges — especially when you’re new to the team. But at Envano, it’s been a pretty smooth ride. The whole team is utilizing online tools like video conferencing for better communication and collaboration. (Oh, and throwing virtual happy hours of course!) The leadership team has also done a great job at getting us everything we need and making us feel connected even though we’re miles apart. 

My 6-year-old son summed up my experience best after he overheard me talking about my new job with my husband:

“You get to play laser tag and they have a dishwasher? That sounds like a good work!” 

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