My experience as a virtual new hire during a pandemic

Stressful, exciting, challenging, rewarding, and intense are all words commonly used to describe the first few weeks in a new position. Virtual, however, is the newest addition to the descriptive qualities of onboarding in the age of coronavirus. While the experience is unprecedented and mostly brand-new to HR personnel, managers, and new-hires alike, the virtual onboarding process must persevere.

Prior to my employment at AbelsonTaylor, I worked out of my home as the marketing and sales coordinator for a local Bloody Mary Mix company. I was the only salaried employee and had to manage day-to-day activities almost completely independently. Because of this experience, I am no stranger to virtual work, so that aspect of my position here was not a concern.

AToN is AbelsonTaylor’s new employee onboarding process, developed by HR and branded by one of the agency’s creative teams. It takes place the first week of work, with presentations and training from 1 to 3 hours each day. Activities are a combination of in-person (virtual now) and online video sessions, equipping new hires with all the tools and information needed to kick off their careers with AT.

As I proceed through the modules of AToN, it’s clear that HR put a lot of hard work into making sure new hires, despite the lack of human interaction, are onboarded efficiently and that we feel completely supported throughout the process. While I am obviously still learning every day, the initial presentations and training sessions have prepared me to learn about the more intricate parts of my job responsibilities. Despite the virtual nature of the training sessions, I do not feel as though I am missing out on any information or experiences that I would otherwise receive in person – besides the occasional handshake or high-five.

The most difficult part of working from home and onboarding remotely is the lack of face-to-face time I would otherwise get regularly from my coworkers and managers. Although it is nice to be able to work in the occasional gym short or to sit awkwardly in my chair while I update an excel doc, I am very much looking forward to connecting with the members of my team, who have been exceptionally helpful during this crazy time.

My WFH Office and Kylo!

AbelsonTaylor has done an awesome job at making me feel welcomed and a part of the community from day one! I am so thrilled to be in this position and I look forward to seeing all of your beautiful faces in person sometime very soon.

Stay safe! Wash your hands!