Sponsor Spotlight: Benevity and the art of onboarding
Sarah Howard
In a down market where companies have their pick of top talent, why do some companies continue to invest so heavily in their people?
For one thing, Calgary-based tech companies find themselves operating in a unique space: a city dominated by energy companies that has a reputation for being a one-trick oil-and-gas pony. And although interest in them is growing, tech companies are still few and far between. For Benevity, a company that creates software for corporate giving and granting programs, that’s especially true. Many of their new hires may come from a completely different industry, and this is even more likely when the volatile energy sector is struggling.
“We’re playing in the [corporate social responsibility] space, but new hires aren’t necessarily familiar with the space,” says Paula Blackmore-White, Benevity’s People Development Lead and the woman in charge of onboarding the company’s new employees.
“Being a tech company in a city like Calgary makes it more difficult, because you have to carve your own path a bit, but I really do believe that the first 90 days are critical, and that people are set up for greater success the more you invest in them upfront. And that’s true for any company.”
It’s hard to imagine many employers taking onboarding as seriously as Be nevity, where newcomers go through ‘Launch Pad’ — a week-long orientation in which employees are given a crash course on the company and the competitive landscape. During Launch Pad, new hires hear from leaders across the company’s different departments with the goal of teaching them about the company, and how they and their team fit into the ecosystem. Following a jam-packed week of talks, workshops, shadowing, volunteering and social events, new employees are treated to a ‘graduation,’ then left to get acquainted with their teams.
“When do I start work?!” is a common reaction, says Paula, when asked what participant feedback is like. But a lot of those employees who didn’t have the opportunity to go through Launch Pad wish they had, she says, because they know their first couple weeks would have been more enjoyable.
“We tend to hire dynamic people who are anxious to make an impact,” says Paula, “but you have to slow down to speed up. It’s hard to jump right into things when you don’t know where the office supplies are, or if you’ve never worked on a Mac! These are the things that tend to frustrate adults.”
But beyond the tactical, Benevity’s Launch Pad is about articulating company culture and ensuring an all-around fit for both the organization and employees. “It’s not always a fit, but you want everyone — including anyone who comes in for an interview — to leave a raving fan,” says Paula.
And although in the past she’s sometimes received a bit of push-back from managers anxious for the extra set of hands (“You mean I don’t get my person right away?!”), the leadership team has never questioned the value of the process. The company taking to heart the idea that it’s safer to invest in an employee that leaves than to under-invest in an employee that stays.
Is it a model that entrepreneurs and small business owners can adopt? “Absolutely!” says Paula. “It’s so important for companies to invest upfront in their people.” Benevity has experienced impressive growth over the past few years because of its people. “It’s why we want to give people the best possible start,” explains Paula. “We also receive a lot of referrals from our employees, and I hope the Glassdoor reviews speak for themselves!”
Benevity is just one of our great Geeky Summit sponsors! Join us Nov. 7th-8th and learn how to ‘brave the ask!’ For event information or tickets, visit:
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