Starting a new role is an exciting and nerve-wracking time. Doing so remotely presents it’s own unique challenges. It can be difficult to feel that you’re integrating into a team and understanding expectations while everybody is working in their own virtual bubbles. So – how can you make the most of working remotely, navigate your first few weeks and build relationships with your colleagues?
Dedicated space and balance
While working remotely is great for flexibility – it does require discipline. Creating a dedicated work space or home office will help you to stay focused while separating your work life from your personal life. An office or work space can help your brain to create and understand those boundaries between time for work, and time for rest.
- A home office is the ideal set up, and it should be quiet, comfortable and well equipped with everything you need to do your job.
- If you don’t have the space for this, you may want to identify a corner in a room that can be set up to be your work space.
- If neither of the above options work for you, you might have access to a co-working space in your neighbourhood. This will give you a dedicated space for productivity.
Understanding company culture
You will hopefully have a good understanding of company culture from the recruitment process – after all, this is an important consideration when looking for a new role! However, really grasping company culture can be tricky when you’re working remotely. Why not try…
- Reviewing and refreshing yourself with the company values. This will help you to align yourself with how the company operates.
- Take opportunities to engage with social or culture focused events and meetings. This might be a weekly check in, or a social committee.
- Observe team ‘norms’. How do your colleagues interact with each other? What is meeting etiquette like? If you learn how your colleagues use their time, and understand their boundaries, you’ll have a good idea of what the culture is like!
Prioritise clear communication
With remote working, communication is critical. Since it’s less easy to check in with colleagues, communicating clearly and effectively is important.
- Clarify expectations early on. Understand priorities, deadlines, and how your manager/team prefers to communicate. This will smooth out your daily communication.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure! Answering questions is often far quicker than fixing mistakes or miscommunications.
Build relationships with colleagues
Lack of face-to-face interaction can make it challenging to build relationships with your colleagues. With everybody facing their working days remotely, it’s easy to feel isolated when you aren’t physically present. However, there are ways you can build virtual relationships…
- Set aside time to introduce yourself via message or video call. It won’t take you long, but making personal approaches and taking time to establish yourself within a team will make a huge difference!
- Utilise social channels and conversations. Many companies will have dedicated chats for casual conversation or virtual meetings scheduled to check in and catch up.
- Be active in your team meeting participation. It may feel easier to wait to contribute in a meeting, but you’ll build relationships much quicker if you are engaged and contributing to meetings.
Colleague relationships not only foster a fun working environment, but they make collaboration and support central to your working life!
Utilise available resources/tools
There will likely be an overload of information during your first few weeks – with training and onboarding – but don’t forget to utilise these resources to give you the best start.
- Training and onboarding sessions will help you get to grips with the role and the company much quicker than trying to work it all out yourself.
- Take time to go through any documents. Whether it’s guides, FAQ’s or policies – these documents will have a bunch of useful information for you. Grab a cup of tea, and get reading.
- Identify support and mentorship. Knowing who you can reach out to when you’re feeling unsure, looking for reassurance or have a query is really important. This might be a knowledgable colleague, a manager or the HR department.
It may feel daunting, but with the right approach – you’ll be settled in in no time! Whether remote work is completely new to you, or you’re just feeling a little nervous about joining a new company – these tips will help you hit the ground running and make a great impression from day one.
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