People will argue that working from home just isn’t the same from a culture perspective. I would argue right back that culture can be created in new ways. Yes, it’s different. And, yes, it takes time. But, it is possible. Teams can bond through the virtual world.
But, there’s one detail to consider. Since the pandemic started, one thing has happened. College graduation has happened. And, it’s happened twice: May of 2020, and May of 2021. This means that there are two full classes of college graduates out there who started working after working from home was the way to work.
Sure, some students were doing internships during college. They may have been going into an office. But, many college students never get the opportunity to do a single internship. They were still working in food service, or another similar industry. These newly minted graduates are being tossed into a world of Zoom, many working from their parents’ homes.
We need to consider the long term implications of this unique phenomenon. And also, it reinforces the idea that things aren’t going to go back to the post pandemic normal. This really is the new normal. There are college graduates who can’t imagine how things might be different in person.
So, what does this mean for you, and your business? I’m not sure of the right answer, but one thing is for certain. We need to consciously make team building a priority. We need to try to be better communicators. We need to create structure. And, we need to make an effort to train employees.
I’m a big supporter of teaching yourself. But, in an office, it’s easier to do when you can look around at what coworkers are doing. These new graduates don’t have that luxury. They’re walking straight out of college and into their dining room table, trying to piece together what it means to be a full-time employee.
Today’s workers were already not terribly loyal to one company. Imagine if you never met the people you were working with. Imagine how lonely and confusing it might be to work solo from the beginning. College often doesn’t even train students on basic things, like balancing a checkbook. How do we expect new graduates to come ready to know what they’re doing on day one?
My takeaway for you is this. If you are working with a recent college grad, take the time to get to know them. Ask them if they need help. And, try to mentor them if you have the chance. They are our future, after all.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
