The GROW Process: Inside SIGA’s Approach to Employee Development
How SIGA Supports New Employees on Their Journey
A new job means more than just a new workplace. Employees get to know new people, find their place in the team, and take on responsibility. At the same time, they expand their expertise, gain experience, and grow into their roles. That’s why SIGA places great importance on supporting employees from day one and making their start as smooth as possible.
Orientation from the Start
Anyone joining SIGA should be able to find their way around quickly and settle in well. That’s why preparation begins before the first day: work equipment is organised, important information is provided, and initial meetings with the manager are scheduled. This way, new team members know what to expect, who their points of contact are, and what their first few days will look like. A key part of this is our GROW process. It helps employees and managers clarify expectations and goals, stay in touch, and plan the next steps together.
Development Is Part of the Onboarding
At SIGA, onboarding doesn’t end after the first few days. We see it as the start of a long-term working relationship. The Growth Map serves as a roadmap for personal and professional development. It shows which skills employees can develop in different areas. Together with their manager, employees set individual priorities and define specific goals. This creates a clear direction that reflects both their interests and SIGA’s needs.
«The insights into different departments and my colleagues’ willingness to share their knowledge were particularly helpful to me. This allowed me to quickly understand the connections and processes at SIGA and build a valuable network early on. The Growth Map helped me assess my current level of knowledge and identify areas for further development.»
Fabian Bienz, Process Projects Engineer Tapes Schachen
Working Together for Success
A successful start isn’t just about processes. It’s about the people behind them. Managers, teams, peers, and cross-functional partners make sure employees receive the support they need, can ask questions, and feel welcome. This personal support builds trust and lays the foundation for a long-term working relationship.
«Thanks to my colleagues, I quickly found my footing at SIGA and was able to develop professionally right from the start. The introductory modules were also a great help during my onboarding. I learned a lot about SIGA, our products, and how we work. This helped me better understand the bigger picture and feel more confident in my role.»
Nora Erdal, Trainee Communications
Continuously Improving
We’re also continually developing the GROW process. Feedback from employees and managers helps us improve the onboarding experience. This way, we create the best possible conditions for people at SIGA not only to settle in well, but also to develop their potential and actively shape their next steps.
«This way, we create the best possible conditions for people at SIGA not only to settle in well, but also to develop their potential and actively shape their next steps.
Employees are expected to take ownership, but they are also supported in learning and growing.
The big difference here is that employees are given the opportunity to improve processes, challenge the status quo and learn from their mistakes. There is a strong emphasis on transparency in how we work and on teamwork, and that’s where I really thrive.»
Julie Stamper, Trainer UK
Lara Pichler
Content and video specialist at SIGA in Switzerland.