The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt everyday life, but new employees are still onboarding at T. Rowe Price. In-person meet and greets are Zoom calls, a first day lunch is a virtual hangout, and starting your first day involves a help desk call.
The onboarding vehicles have changed, but the purpose of the process has not. Onboarding aims to give new employees a strong start and tools for success. And, like everything here, it's done with a collaborative spirit. New hires shared their experiences and offered advice on navigating the virtual halls of the firm.
Focus on Building Relationships.
At T. Rowe Price, relationships are key. As a highly collaborative company, it's important to develop networks right from the start. Your manager will have a list of "meet and greets" on Day One. Be prepared to ask questions:
- Tell me about your role.
- How do you expect our roles to interact? (Or how have our roles traditionally interacted?)
- What does it take to be successful in this role?
- What is your preferred method of communication?
Be Proactive about Social Interactions.
Having strong connections at work is a great way to build happiness both physically and emotionally. But in a remote environment, there's no coffee pot or courtyard to mill around and chat. At T. Rowe Price however, your colleagues are likely socializing in different ways.
Ask your team or your manager about social events. Your team may have water cooler chats or virtual happy hours to maintain connections. Also, consider incorporating 1:1 chats with folks, inside and outside your team, to learn about the organization and to network.
Ask If an Onboarding Buddy is Available.
You may have the opportunity to partner with an onboarding buddy. They are typically veteran employees who can explain the rules of the road. An onboarding buddy can also help build your network, provide role clarity, and highlight the nuances of the organization.
Lean on Your Colleagues
Starting a new job can be stressful but can be amplified in a virtual environment. To acclimate to a new role and the firm, associates recommend:
- Get ready in the morning just like you would for the office.
- Use video during meetings to connect names to faces.
- Ask questions (even uncomfortable ones) to understand how things work.
- Take frequent breaks like you would in the office for coffee, snacks, and pets vying for attention.
T. Rowe Price is often described, by our staff, as a global company with a community feel. Whether in the office or on Zoom, associates connect and help each other. Having a collaborative nature is a key to success at the firm. Just as important, is having a trusted network to counsel, support and when needed, humble you to make sure you thrive at the firm.
Take the advice of new hires and find your place at T. Rowe Price.
