Onboarding Virtually: The Challenges

Going back to the office

I’ve started to go back to the new Meta office in King’s Cross, London 2-3 days a week. It has been a really refreshing, enjoyable experience. Even with a 1 hour+ commute there and back.

I feel more settled in my role, it’s a lot easier to get to know teammates in person, having quick conversations at our desks, or over lunch. Talking to people I might not, when I’m working at home. It helps me understand the culture of the team a lot better, build relationships with people quicker.

More focus in the office

Also, I feel more focused going to the office knowing that I’m going here by complete choice and I want to make the most of my time and be productive.

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​A more healthy relationship​

Previously when going to the office you would go because you really had no choice as everyone else was there, but now it’s a voluntary decision, and you’re in the minority, it feels like a more productive and healthy relationship.

You appreciate the perks of the office environment even more, getting help on problems instantly, meeting your wider team, having those water cooler talks, free snacks and food. It’s been enjoyable.

Finding the right balance

Moving forward, I want to find the balance between either 2 or 3 days a week in the office. The office right now is pretty empty at the start of the new year, but it’s still nice to change my environment during the week. Especially during the winter months when you’re even more inclined to stay at home due to the days being a lot colder, shorter and wetter.

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​Onboarding virtually is challenging

I feel like my job is more than just deliverables, it’s about forging relationships with teammates, getting to know people and most importantly having fun. At home I’ve definitely found this a lot more difficult, onboarding virtually I don’t know anyone at a new company. And it takes a lot more time to build relationships with people virtually due to the fact that you’re less inclined to meet people outside your team, or socialise outside the work hours.

Previously at Ford working inside the office I built a massive network of friends at work I could talk to virtually at home, which made the whole virtual WFH experience a lot easier.

If you’ve got the opportunity to head into the office, I recommend giving it a go once or twice a week and see how you feel. You might begin to remember and appreciate all the perks of what the office brings, that we took for granted.