Starting a new job is always exciting. You’re saying goodbye to a familiar place and getting to know your new work environment. Strangers become colleagues, you get to know the organization inside and out, and tasks you might have previously performed on autopilot suddenly require more energy and focus because everything is different. You’re taking a big step in your career and in your life. That’s exciting, requires energy and adaptability, but above all, it’s really fun to challenge yourself again!
However, the COVID-19 lockdown changed everything. To learn more about starting a new job during this lockdown, I spoke with Robin Oegema. Robin joined Toogethr in April 2020 as CFO, a Utrecht-based startup that uses its ridesharing platform and Smart Parking solution for corporate mobility to reduce parking pressure, improve accessibility, and make commuting more sustainable.
Digital Farewell
On March 15, 2020, a lockdown was announced that, for many, would last longer than expected. Home workspaces were set up, and many Dutch people worked partly or entirely from their living rooms, dining rooms, or attics. Robin had quit his job a few days before this and was looking forward to starting at Toogethr. Saying goodbye to his colleagues, who had by then also become friends, was a little different than usual. Instead of drinks at a local pub, as had been planned, it was a – no less enjoyable – digital farewell party. Glasses clinked against screens instead of each other, but there was certainly no lack of conviviality.
First Weeks
In the weeks leading up to his start at Toogethr, Robin was in close contact with his new colleagues, and he was kept well-informed about developments. They also explored a good way to start remotely. Fortunately, Robin had been able to visit his new workplace a few times during the application process, but the actual start of his new job took place remotely, from his living room. This meant no welcome mugs or banners on your desk upon arrival, but a digital handbook, cloud-based access to key documents, and a warm welcome during the first Zoom meeting.
In his new role, Robin became responsible for all finances at Toogethr, which naturally required a smooth handover: all the ins and outs had to be discussed. While this can be done online to a certain extent, it’s sometimes more convenient to discuss matters in person, such as the business model and details of the accounting software. With the necessary measures in place (including a large space, face masks, and disinfectant: now familiar to everyone), we were able to meet a colleague at the Toogethr office several times to delve into the details.
Given the company’s current stage, Robin had to immediately get started setting up and implementing processes, such as the P2P and O2C processes. Meetings with the MT were daily, but setting up financial administration was essentially a one-man job for Robin. The trust he received from the rest of the MT played a major role in this. Yet, it’s especially important during those first few weeks to not only familiarize yourself with your new tasks, but also to connect with your new colleagues. And that’s especially difficult during lockdown. Before you know it, a week flies by where a process you set up runs smoothly, but you barely have a chat at the coffee machine. Normally, Robin, not a natural “caller,” prefers to pop in to a colleague to discuss something and have a chat. To replicate this during the lockdown, Robin tried to pick up the phone more often to maintain informal contact with colleagues.
In a small organization like Toogethr, much communication doesn’t happen through “official” channels, and you have to navigate the company’s digital corridors if you want to play a pivotal role as a CFO. By adopting a more “digital” approach and actively reaching out to colleagues to discuss daily tasks, ask for clarification, or simply have a chat, this resulted in a positive interaction: Robin became better known among colleagues, and they were more likely to find him.
The impact of the coronavirus crisis on your new employer
Toogethr, a ridesharing platform for companies, is experiencing a significant short-term impact from the coronavirus crisis. Simply put: no commute, no reason to share your ride with colleagues. Robin’s start coincided with the lockdown, and precisely because of the consequences this has for the company, he was in luck. Not just a gradual income, but an all-in right away. The potential impact on the business model created a significant need for scenario analyses, and there was close contact with the shareholders. Merging the finances and scenarios proved to be a (welcome) challenge. Robin immediately delved into the details and quickly came up to speed. His analyses were (and are) invaluable in shaping the company’s future vision and strategy.
The company has since launched a 1.5-meter social distancing campaign to address the changing commute. Moreover, Toogethr offers a cycling app, a ride-sharing app, and a parking reservation system that can help organizations get their employees back to the office with the lowest possible risk of infection. The coronavirus crisis has made employers and employees more mindful of mobility and commuting, and this has made Toogethr’s services even more relevant, especially in times of a potential second wave.
How is work now?
Robin currently works half the week from home and the other half at the office in Utrecht. He really enjoys the variety of being able to choose between isolation and activity. Although starting his new job may not have gone as he had anticipated, he looks back on the first few months very positively. However hectic it was, it did help Robin gain momentum and experience things that might never have been so important in “normal” times, without coronavirus.
Tips!
If you’re starting a new job soon, it’ll probably be (partly) remote. Robin’s tip: be proactive and take the lead! Meeting new people is crucial when you start a new job, and that might require a little more effort than usual these days. As awkward as it might be, just schedule that “digital coffee”—you normally would. Meet people, discover how a colleague connects with your new role, and try to understand what others do. If the digital world isn’t quite your thing, share this with your colleagues so they can take that into account and reach out and involve you more often.
Are you also thinking about starting a new job in finance? Check out our website or LinkedIn page for our open positions, or send an email to n.verbokkem@lemonsearch.nl.