How was your first Ask Q experience?
Marie: “From the moment I walked through the door, the warmth and kindness struck me. Ask Q emphasizes not just productivity but the overall well-being of its employees. It’s a workplace where people genuinely care about each other, fostering a sense of belonging that makes every day at work feel like a step towards individual and collective success. And it’s only been my first month at Ask Q!” (laughs)
Isabelle: “Right from the beginning, I was drawn towards the way Ask Q rethinks processes. The recruiting process reflects that innovative approach. Offering candidates the possibility to schedule an initial “pitch” was impressive and convincing. During the pitch, one of the managers gives some insight into their work, their company culture and what makes Ask Q unique. I couldn’t think of a more proactive and dynamic way of introduction – that left me curious for more!”
What makes Ask Q stand out?
Isabelle: “I find Ask Q's collaborative teamwork exceptional. Projects are approached as a team in different expert Labs, which fosters a safe space for sharing ideas. Before joining the team, I attended a one-week summer school on Legal Technology and Legal Innovation. The amount of trust and support that Ask Q placed in me right from the start was admirable.”
Marie: “At Ask Q, my first day was marked by a personal tragedy - the loss of my grandfather. Coping with grief while navigating a new job seemed daunting. However, Ask Q's core values shone through as my colleagues showed great understanding and compassion. They made me feel valued, not just a number on the payroll.”
How does the team deal with newcomers?
Marie: “I have found that everyone encourages questions, creating an atmosphere where curiosity is welcomed and celebrated. My colleagues are always willing to share their expertise, offer guidance, and explain intricacies patiently. I have gained a wealth of knowledge quickly, which is a testament to Ask Q’s commitment to ensure that every individual, regardless of their experience level, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and excel.”
Isabelle: “I have noticed that Ask Q places a lot of emphasis on generating new ideas. One of the great advantages of our company's size is that I am encouraged to contribute beyond my legal know-how. The management team is always receptive to feedback and enthusiastic about motivating new hires like me to get involved in internal processes. Even after this short time, I can say that I am encouraged to be proactive and to make a real impact.”
When onboarding your next colleague, what needs improvement?
Isabelle: “It's normal to feel overwhelmed by the workload during the first few weeks. Some people may be hesitant to seek help when needed. Still, it's essential to encourage them to ask questions and provide the necessary resources to succeed, especially since Ask Q works with many different clients, which also entails familiarization with different projects. This is quite a lot to digest, especially at the beginning, as you have to adapt quickly to new ways of working and needs. But here, too, all colleagues have been very helpful and everyone is interested in making the best possible start.”
Marie: “Providing a clear and concise overview of the company culture, values, and expectations through a playbook or video recording in the first week or even on the first day would improve the onboarding experience. This approach would help us, as new hires, to understand the company's vision and goals, fostering a sense of belonging within the team. It not only streamlines the integration process but also sets a positive tone for us as new hires, enabling us to align ourselves with the organization's values and work towards common objectives.”