Why I Love Being of Service at Metal Toad

It may be selfish, I’ll admit it — but I love pleasing others through acts of service. While I work hard and don’t derive my self-confidence or self-worth from it, I certainly derive a whole lot of happiness from it! And who doesn’t want to be happy? That’s why I feel so fortunate that Metal Toad took a chance on me.

A little over a year ago I found myself unemployed, and a little hopeless. Although I had been in the workforce for over a decade, my resume was filled with customer service roles that really only qualified me for entry level account management/call center positions that I had little interest in. While those positions did involve being of service to others via email or phone, I longed for a more human connection. I worried that I would never find a role where I could be of service in person, that didn’t require some sort of business degree or background, and that would also pay me a livable wage.

During my interview at Metal Toad for the Office Concierge position, I was told that “the developers are our rock stars, and those of us in Operations are the roadies.” Wait, what? I can get paid to work in this cool office, interact with people in-person, and be of service to others? I suspected that I had stumbled upon my dream job. And I was right! 

Once I started at Metal Toad I had a difficult time explaining my role as Office Concierge to outsiders. Eventually, I landed on “I’m everybody’s personal assistant.” From onboarding to office parties to office snacks, I work tirelessly to make sure each Toad has everything they need and want to make their jobs and their work lives easy and enjoyable. There should be no “blockers” to getting a job done. Whether it’s specialty tea or an ergonomic keyboard, I seek to have every Toad’s request fulfilled immediately, if possible. I have no set rules for asks; anyone can ask me for anything at anytime, through any channel. And luckily, Metal Toad empowers me to do so. I don’t have to cut through red tape or seek approval for any reasonable expense. Requests can be functional, or not — it doesn’t matter. If it will improve the working atmosphere for a Toad, then I’ll see that it gets done. 

But I don’t just purchase things for Toads. I am at their service for personal errands, problem solving help, office clean-up, and some might say, a good laugh. I am aware of all of the dietary restrictions of every Toad, and for many, I know what special treat or drink they want on hand. Not to mention, there is always a not-so-secret stash of chocolate at my desk.  

Why does it all matter? Well, because Metal Toad’s employee happiness shows in the way we treat our clients, and each other. In the same way that I am empowered and happy to serve the Toads, the Toads are empowered and happy to serve others — and our repeat business and client feedback proves it. Our clients are as happy as we are, and we are happy to serve.

I know the idea of happy employees leading to happy clients is not new, or original. I know that there are many companies who have similar roles to mine. But for me this is not just a job. I am not nice or approachable just because that’s what I’m paid to do. I am all of those things because that’s who I am as a person, and much of my happiness comes from being of service to others without expecting anything in return.

If you’re struggling to find happiness at work, or struggling with making your employees happy, I can’t stress enough the gifts of being of service to others. I encourage everyone reading this to incorporate a little bit of service in your daily work routine and see if you don’t notice a little bit more happiness in your day!