Megan Wiseman
2 min read
We harp on (a lot) about how unique our business culture is; during quarterly business meetings, monthly client seminars and over a glass of wine at the pub after work. We know we're different, a bit like a kid at school who knows she's wired up a bit differently to most other kids. My boyfriend often hears my "I'm willing to bet there's not another company like ours" narrative, which is usually highlighted by some wondrous tale of our latest shenanigans, like a flash mob at an industry exhibition. He tends to agree.
But what do I mean when I say that our business culture is unique? Well, I can still remember the first time I crossed the threshold of Asperity, as it was then known, nearly six years ago for an interview. Coming from a soulless city-based recruitment company that made me dread Mondays, I was looking for an opportunity to shine and be happy. I've got to say my interview was terrible (remember I had come from a stint in recruitment, so I'm not talking on my part!)But it was OK though because I had made up my mind during my 10 minute wait in the reception area which revealed the culture and values I was looking for.
Part of my job is onboarding people, and they tend to be on their way up in their careers, having had some prior experience of the working world. One of the things I like best about my job is seeing the same excitement and enthusiasm in our newbies that I had, throughout the recruitment and induction process. Our recruitment consultants are often staggered by how fanatical about Reward Gateway people become, after going though the now rigorous recruitment process. It makes their jobs easier I'm sure.
For my own curiosity I did some digging around on first impressions and discovered there were some recurrent themes:
Vivid, vibrant, brilliant, bright
From the breakout areas to the personalities, the bright atmosphere has been described by all these adjectives and more.
Trust
People are surprised to be entrusted with making decisions and managing their own time from day one (without having to 'earn’ it).
Change
From day one, people pick up that this business changes a lot and we understand that can be confusing. Unfortunately that's the one thing that won't change so it's a matter of getting used to it.
Dedication
Throughout all the shadowing in the early weeks our newbies begin to pick up on the lengths we go to to make things work for our clients. A refreshing reminder of how hard we work.
Making the first impressions last is the next job. Next time I'll share anecdotes from our seasoned old timers!