My first week at United Way of Wayne & Holmes

Beginning a new job can be a stressful situation, especially when it is in a new community. However, that first week can tell you much about the organization’s mission and culture. I have heard from many people that the best way to tell an organization’s culture is to observe its employees on Monday morning.

My first day at The United Way of Wayne and Holmes County was a great example of Monday morning culture. I walked up to the door ten minutes early and was greeted by the CEO, who pulled into the parking lot simultaneously. I was greeted by a hardy good morning, and the first thing I notice is a welcome sign posted on the door with my name on it. Then, thinking it was very thoughtful, I heard someone say, “hey, Siri! play celebration.” Not sure what I got myself into, I walked into the community area, and my coworkers were dancing, saying good morning, and welcoming me with huge smiles. What a fantastic first impression! In all my years of working, I have never been greeted and made to feel so at home as I was at that moment.

First impressions are lasting; I doubt I will ever forget that first day. We spent part of the morning chatting and getting to know one another before the real work began. I was handed a binder with a calendar of my first three weeks and every day laid out and planned. It was a huge comfort knowing that I had an agenda and knew precisely where and what I was supposed to do.

The next three days were the same. I was part of the team from the onset. I have had an opportunity to attend several lunches in the area with local civic groups and meet many of our constituents and board members. I have also had the chance to begin paving my road and looking into alternative ways to improve some processes. It is very liberating to be given the freedom to express yourself and contribute in the best way possible while having the support and guidance of experience.

Of course, every first week would not be complete without some unexpected calamity. On my third day on the job, I started to feel ill. As the day progressed, it increasingly got worse. Like most people, the last thing I wanted to do was call off sick on my first week at work. During a meeting, I was told I should go home. If we learned anything from COVID, it was not to be tough and stay sick at work.

I finished the rest of the week working from home. My constant contact with my new coworkers put my mind at ease about my condition and if I had any needs. I was taken aback by the amount of genuine concern for my well-being.

I have seen many places that like to trumpet their unique culture or talk about how great a place they are to work. In my experience, only some live up to their self-imposed standards. It is often just words on paper to check off another box. My experience at UWWH has taught me that they not only talk but also walk the walk.

I am incredibly excited to continue my journey with the organization and grow both personally and professionally. If you are looking for an organization to support that is completely aligned with its mission, focused, positive, and authentic, look into ways to help UWWH. #culture #powerofmoments