Here are some tips for making your first day at remote work a huge success.
Understand the on boarding process
Speak to your manager or HR contact ahead of time to find out how the on boarding will go. The organization may send you a laptop or may ask you to use your own device. They can guide you through your first day via Zoom, Skype or Microsoft Teams, or perhaps email you a developer manual or walk through. The company itself may still be trying to formalize its remote work procedures, so the process may not go as smoothly as usual. Make sure you arrange the logistics of the on boarding process in advance and fully understand what to expect.
Practice the “route” to work
It’s common to make the journey to your new job before the first day to make sure you don’t have any problems or get lost on your way there. You can do the same on your first virtual day. Log in early to give yourself time to resolve technical difficulties. Also make sure that any software you need is downloaded in advance and that you know how to use each one.
Pay attention to your presence
It’s likely that on your first day you’ll have at least one virtual meeting with your manager or team. While you may be used to working from home in casual clothes, remember to dress professionally to make a good first impression. Pay attention to your virtual environment, including lighting, background items, and try to minimize external noise.
Find out how your team communicates
It’s important to learn how your manager and your team prefer to interact. Do they rely heavily on email or tend to use video or voice calls? Do they use any internal networks like Teams, Slack or Yammer to stay in touch? As for your manager, does he like to receive questions as they come up via email, or does he prefer to resolve everything in a weekly one-on-one call? Are there specific times of the day or week that they prefer not to be disturbed? Keep in mind that your colleagues may still be trying to define their preferences as they adjust to their new routine. But knowing your colleagues’ communication styles will help you integrate with the team faster and promote positive interactions.
Get noticed
Usually when you start a new job you are immediately introduced to many people in the office and learn what they do. You would also meet new people in the elevator or in the kitchen and start new relationships that way. This process will likely take a little longer and require more effort when you start your new remote job. Let people know you’re the new person on any online network like Slack or Yammer, or by sending a few short emails to others in your department. If there is a staff meeting, try to find a moment to introduce yourself and your role. You may even need to remind people who you are when contacting them via email or on a conference call, as they won’t see you on a day-to-day basis. Before commenting on a group call,
Find co-workers
Since you won’t be chatting with colleagues in the kitchen over coffee or having a welcome lunch, it’s a good idea to be proactive about getting to know your new colleagues better. Set up a virtual chat to find out more about their roles, the projects they’re working on, and anything else they think you should know about the organization. Share any questions you might have and ask for recommendations on other people you should know within the company. What insights can they share with you about the organization’s culture?
look for opportunities
The pandemic is causing changes in the world of work like never before, and circumstances are rapidly evolving. Due to this speed, you may not be as busy as you expected, or even certain projects you were hoping to work on may be shelved and other tasks prioritized. Instead of thinking this is a bad thing, try to identify opportunities where you can add value. Seek out others to offer your help, and speak up at meetings to suggest ideas. Think of the additional value you can add to the business.
There is no doubt that this is a difficult time to transition into a new role. But by being proactive, patient, and flexible, you can easily integrate into your new team and prove your worth to the organization.
