Your practical guide to starting a new job remotely
Starting a job is already stressful!
You have to make a good first impression and settle into the culture. This was the norm.
For many industries, remote work has become the new norm.
While it can take a while to get used to, there is no denying that working remotely does bring advantages.
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Benefits of working remotely
Flexibility
Team members can work from the comforts of home, set and adjust their schedule accordingly. Employees can set time aside for family, personal time and other responsibilities which would have been more tedious being at the office.
No more micromanagement
Remote work however, has changed the game in that employees have much more autonomy to work. Employees can foster their own sense of independence, while still being part of their team.
Greater productive output
Greater autonomy, flexibility and less micromanagement results in a boost in morale and productivity given that staff are much more likely to work within a timeframe they have set.
Convenient and cost effective
Employees are spared from long hours of commute, fuel and transportation costs. Organisations also benefit from lower costs in that productivity rises due to greater focus and flexibility.
Things to consider when starting a new job remotely
Culture shock
Unless you may have perhaps held a similar post pre-Covid, working remotely is a change in work structure. You have a greater accountability to yourself to get your work done. Family and work responsibilities have now diverged.
Reliance on technology
The foundation to working remotely is reliable technology. You will find that you have greater dependence on technology not only in terms of completing work tasks but in communicating with your team and staying connected.
Can get lonely
No one particularly likes office politics or micromanaging. However, despite being away from all that, you’re also physically away from your team. Interactions are now virtual, but ultimately, working remotely can get rather quiet at times.
You still have to show up
It is expected as you start your remote job, that you are connected and available throughout your workday. Yes, there is flexibility, however, team meetings, schedules and deadlines must still be adhered to.
Build virtual relationships
When starting in your new company, the relationships with your colleagues would have to be fostered virtually through conference meetings or social media.
How do I build new professional relationships virtually?
Building virtual relationships does lose some human emotion, nevertheless, they employ the same principles with minor changes.
- Learn about them beforehand – Just as you google your company and researched your role, you can reach out to your colleagues on social media sites such as LinkedIn. It’s a great way to break the ice, and get to know them professionally. This makes the introductions less awkward and a bit more comforting.
- Ask questions –Ask details about them, things they have learnt about the company and their life pre-Covid. Such small talk grows rapport within the relationship.
- Be yourself – Whether it’s virtual or physical, always be your true self.
- Be willing to help – Everyone loves a team player. The best way to cement a good working relationship is being available to lend a helping hand or in this case a quick Zoom call to assist with an issue.
With these considerations in mind, here are further tips to making the most out of your new virtual role?
Tips to help you navigate when starting a new job remotely
Ask what a typical workday looks like
Understanding what your work hours, tasks, system of communication and line of accountability are, starting your first day will be much more rewarding as you’re adequately informed.
Get comfortable with the technology
Learning how to navigate through Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Basecamp or Google Drive for example allows you to start working efficiently.
Set up your workspace
Establish your office in an area free of distractions. Don’t forget your professional background for doing video conferencing. A neutral backdrop free of distracting décor, household items or personal belongings is ideal.
Have your contacts at hand
You are not there physically at the office if your software crashes or your laptop has a technical issue. Also, there may be times you may need to consult your manager who may be offline. For such scenarios, it is vital that you keep a list of relevant contacts. These include your manager, members of your team, technical support and other colleagues whom you will need to contact in the event of an emergency.
Be productive
Many employers can be skeptical about working remotely because employees may take advantage of their new found ‘freedom’. Ensure you maintain a high degree of productivity, by limiting social media, managing your time and sticking to your work schedule.
Common questions to ask questions about working remotely
How do I create value?
Value is created when problems are solved and expectations are exceeded. What are some online tools for effective remote work? Brainstorm some creative ideas and pitch them to your team.
A lot of valuable knowledge can also come from your colleagues. As you’re new to the team, you want to ensure the work you’re producing is of the anticipated quality or even above that. Ask for feedback and commit to always be improving.
How am I expected to behave?
Look at the attributes and behaviour patterns outlined in the job description. Do they describe someone who is professional? Articulate? Team players? Mature? Clean appearance, polite and helpful? Whatever behaviours have been outlined for this role, be that person!
Whose support is critical?
At this stage in your career, support is crucial. The key players to rely on are your direct manager, your team within your department and other departments that support your operations.
What soft skills do I need to excel in this role?
Soft skills for working remotely include:
- Problem-solving – Problems don’t go away because of pandemics. Employers still want you to bring solutions to the table and help the company thrive.
- Digital literacy – You must know your way around the digital space if you are going to know how to communicate with your team and get work done.
- Collaboration – getting to know your team and working with them is vital during projects.
- Communications – Oral communication skills as well as written communication skills have never been more necessary when it comes to conducting virtual meetings effectively and sending emails that convey important information.
- Self-management – This includes proper time, workload and stress management
- Self-Motivation –You are your own boss in this regard to ensure your productivity is high.
