My name is Natasha, and I joined Cobmex as the new Marketing Coordinator in March! As I write this blog post in May, the world has changed in a way that no one prepared for. The world is on lockdown, under quarantine, and is practicing “social distancing.” During this time, we’re all experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic in our own ways. For myself, I started a new job amid the coronavirus chaos, and this is my experience.
First Day on The Job
On my first day at work, I was warmly welcomed by the team (no handshakes though; they’re a thing of the past). There were quite a few people that I didn’t get to meet as they were in a two-week self-isolation upon returning to the country. Later that afternoon, Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would be closing the border. We were on lockdown and all non-essential businesses were forced to close their doors. As part of the first-responders supply chain, Cobmex is an essential business. Cobmex quickly implemented a work from home policy, as many businesses quickly turned to.
On my second day of work, I was working from home. Quickly, we all had to adapt. My onboarding process had now gone digital. Days were made up almost completely of Teams video calls and Zooms. I found myself trying to navigate the changing situation, and learn who people were, who did what, what to look for, and where to find them. I felt so much excitement in starting a new job and joining a new team. There was also uncertainty, as the situation changed day by day.
Temporarily Laid-off and Called Back
Shortly after my first week, Cobmex, as many other businesses reassessed their current situation, I was temporarily laid off. It didn’t come as a shock, as friends and family across Canada experienced similar fates. At the same time, it was unfortunate and I had to accept that it was just part of this constantly changing world. A few weeks later, I received a phone call from Phil – I was asked to return to Cobmex!
I’ve had the chance to get to know Phil, the President of Cobmex, and I’m excited to be working with him. It was especially comforting to know that the door (physical or not) is always open and that at Cobmex, no idea is too small.
Everything changed so quickly, and it is still changing. Each day that passes poses new challenges, but with it, new opportunities and different ways to do things. I am grateful for all the help that I got from everyone in coming on board. Thank you to Phil, for sharing his passion and being such a pleasure to work with. Special thanks to Andrea, who trained me over video calls and giving me direction. I also thank Brian, who helped to set me up remotely and is also always willing to help and work together. I’m thankful for Steve, who gives me an immeasurable amount of support, guidance, and laughter. I have a lot of gratitude for everyone at Cobmex.
Moving Forward
During quarantine, I am taking the time to look at myself introspectively and slow down and reflect. And it’s not only just people. Businesses are also reflecting on their vision and mission. At Cobmex, I had the opportunity to reflect and help rewrite the company vision, mission, and purpose statements. Our core values; Respect, Integrity, Accountability, Passion, Innovation, guide everyday actions at Cobmex. I see these values embodied through how people communicate, and through the level of care and passion that we all have here. With bringing me back, Cobmex is committing to digital marketing and recognizing that it is even more important in this new world that will be emerging.
This disruption has also taught me to rethink what is normal. Things will continue to be unconventional, and now is the time to be creative and think outside the box.
As restrictions begin to lift across parts of the country, it signals hope. That our collective efforts to #stayathome and social distance is working, and that soon, we will be able to embrace the people that we miss and slowly welcome our colleagues back into the office. We know that things won’t be the same, and hopefully through this experience, we will take things slower, appreciate the moments more, and let go of perfection. The realities that surround us are constantly changing, and what we can do is control how we react and adapt to what comes at us.
As we are all in quarantine in our own homes, “we’re in this together” continues to resonate. Now, we rely on digital mediums more than we ever have. It’s how we see our family, get in touch with our friends, and connect with brands that we love. Our digital presence at Cobmex is even more important as we get through the pandemic together and move towards the future. Now more than ever, the human story counts. It’s what matters. What we do at Cobmex has a human element to it. What we wear makes up part of our identity, or at least that’s what I believe. Cobmex knitwear represents the pride, passion, and productivity that goes into our everyday work.
The Cobmex story is a good one, and I can’t wait to continue to share it with you.
