Since the beginning of lockdown in March we have hired a total of 13 new team members. We chatted to a few of these employees, to find out about their experience of joining Hemlow during these strange times. Hear from Louise (Accounts Supervisor), Luke (Assistant Supervisor) and Petar (London Resident Engineer).

How did you find starting a new job during lockdown?

Louise – It was very strange as I had been working from home prior to joining Hemlow, however everyone I’ve met has been extremely welcoming. Hemlow has clearly put lots of thought and preparation into easing everyone back into the office environment.

Luke – I feel really lucky to be joining the team at Hemlow, who have not only kept up normal operations but have continued to grow. It’s an exciting time to be at Hemlow.

Did you still feel you were welcomed into the company despite the restrictions? Did you still receive an induction/any training?

Luke – The team at Hemlow is great, I have been really supported and welcomed. My official company induction is on hold for the moment but the amount of on the job training I have received so far has been second to none. Louise – Training has been a mixture of social distancing in the office and Microsoft Teams, everyone has been so helpful, it has been a pleasure! Petar – I have been welcomed very well in the company by all of the staff that I have met so far. I have received training to a high standard despite the circumstances, which has been very helpful as I have been working on site throughout the lock down.

What have the challenges been of starting a new job during lockdown and how have you overcome these?

Luke – Joining the team during lockdown has presented new challenges, mostly logistical, such as factoring in some delays with our supply chains, and also due to some of our clients offices being closed. We have had to be extra organised to keep everything compliant and up to date. On a lighter note the roads have been much quieter making the commute much more pleasant.

Louise – The hardest thing has been building a relationship with my new colleagues, as social distancing and alternating rotas in the office has meant I haven’t actually met my whole team yet. However, technology has come in extremely handy and I have been frequently using Microsoft teams and phone calls for meetings with everyone.

How has the support you have received from colleagues helped you whilst starting your new role?

Petar – Everyone has been very helpful, especially Vince Neil who in my opinion is a great manager. Linda Uguz was incredible in the TUPE process, along with Tom Wicks.

Luke – I have been working closely with Regional Manager, Paul Humphreys, who has been really helpful. The whole team, who have been on a rotational hot desking system, have also been really welcoming and supportive, they are always at the end of the phone and happy to help.

Louise – Hemlow’s Financial Controller Lisa has been extremely flexible, she only works part-time but has put in extra hours to ensure I have the training I need to do my job well.

Chris Ward, Director, has been very welcoming, keeping in contact with me daily to see how I am getting on and getting me involved in lots of team meetings.

James Frampton, Finance Apprentice, has also been very helpful, teaching me how to use various systems and giving a good insight into the company structure and culture.

If you are interested in joining the Hemlow Team, then please get in touch at HRrecruitment@hemlow.com