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The Value of Making Connections at Schwab.

By: Chelsey S., Sr Manager, Communications

In a study about the importance of friendships at work, researchers found that 65 percent of workers maintain close friendships with at least one co-worker.[1] One particular group of Schwabbies is proud to over-index on this statistic.

Meet Elaine, Greg, Stacy, Meghan, and Danielle, a group of fierce friends and colleagues who have been tightly knit for the entire time their Schwab careers have overlapped. They met a little over five years ago as the Organizational Development team at Schwab was newly blooming, and this group of Lone Tree, CO, colleagues was tasked with managing employee development and experiences.

As they navigated their way through their roles and their “startup” function, they relied on one another to keep a safe space and an open mind, resulting in their friendships and the development of a long-lasting, top-notch support system they built for themselves and their internal clients, who range from Schwabbies just getting started at the company to executive leadership.

Having lived through many life changes together – including career transitions, family losses, new homes, and the joys of parenthood – they make it a priority to stay connected as much as possible – and have even managed to do so during the pandemic. We wanted to learn more about their connection and understand the value of maintaining friendships at work.

Q: How has having a friend group benefited your experience at Schwab?

Stacy S.B. – Sr. Manager, Talent Acquisition (PL): “Even though our lives have changed over the years, and we’re in different places in work and life, we’ve remained fiercely committed to each other and our career paths. We’ve always been a team of utility players, and whatever is needed, we’ll shift gears to make it happen.”

Danielle B. – Sr. Manager, Organizational Development: “I’ve never experienced a bond like the one I share with these great people. Knowing that I have this amazing group who will find a way to support and help me when I need it has been a gift. The camaraderie and friendship I’ve experienced is something to be proud of.”

Greg C. – Sr. Manager, Organizational Development: “We’re a collection of people who are easy to be around, we know who we are and we’re free to say what we need to say. Having shared experiences with people you can discuss your thoughts and brainstorm with is important when you’re first starting out at a company.”

Meghan L. – Sr. Manager, Organizational Development: “Everyone in this group is a true expert in what they do and adds so much value to the Organizational Development function. Whenever I have a question or present a problem I’m having, they’ll always support me. It is so nice to have a support system willing to talk me through something or gut check me both professionally and personally.”

Q: What advice would you give Schwabbies who might be looking for their “people?”

Elaine F. – Director, Organizational Development: “People just want to be heard, and if you’re willing to be persistent and hone in on the things you notice about people, a connection will form. If someone says something that sparks your interest, ask them about it. Set up a meeting and tell them you find them interesting.”

Danielle: “Be intentional when trying to make connections and find an opportunity to explore common ground to bond over. Once there’s a bond, it’s easy to care for and feed the relationship. There’s always something to talk about.”

Greg: “For us, there was a commonality and relationship that built early on because of our work circumstances. Being conscious and deliberate in your intentions for getting to know someone is a fail-proof place to start. As a general rule, Schwab is largely relational, and whatever your personality is, being open to new experiences is a valuable aspect of forming connections.”

Meghan: “Open yourself up to people if you can. We’re all at different places in our lives, which is really a benefit if you think about it, because there’s someone to help you through any situation. Connecting with people with whom you may not have much in common could lead you to life-long relationships.”

Laura: “Be patient and expect a little trial and error. The amount of ways to connect can be overwhelming, especially considering how large Schwab is, so you won’t always find what you’re looking for right away. Don’t let that deter you from asking about someone, being curious about a group or organization within Schwab, or volunteering. The more interactions you have, even in a virtual world, the easier it will be to find your people!”

[1] https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6759-friends-at-work.html

(0924-SZXH)