How to start a new job working remotely
A comprehensive guide on how to start a new job working remotely, along with pointers for your first day and your first week.
Just got a remote job, congratulations!
Starting a new job remotely might not seem ideal and may present extra challenges. However, if you can handle this, you can handle anything.
Table of Contents
What exactly is a remote job?
In an all-remote organization, each individual is empowered to work and live where they are most fulfilled. A remote job allows you to work from wherever you’re most comfortable. That could be a coffee shop, your basement office, a coworking space, or even a different place every month!
3 Tips for starting a new job working remotely
1. Understand how the company defines remote work
Get an understanding of how the company defines remote work during the interview phase.
Different companies will have different approaches to remote work. Ensure you understand what your work environment will be like, and whether it matches your own working style.
2. Remote communication
Another element to flesh out during an interview is remote communication. Working remotely, communication is essential to push tasks forward. Your phone and email will need to be on you at all working hours of the day so that your team members can reach you with ease.
3. Prepare for a different type of onboarding
Being stressed about learning a new job is a reality for many people. For remote working opportunities, prepare yourself to be flexible, open, and ready to listen, learn, research, try new things, and get comfortable with videos and video calls for your onboarding process.
How to prepare for the first day of remote work
For those who’ve not worked in a remote organization before, you may want help thinking through an ideal workspace and need a few tips and tricks for informal communication.
1. Fast and reliable Wi-Fi
Ensure your technology and internet are all working and connected and be ready to introduce yourself, take notes, and ask questions.
2. Researching your new company
Hopefully, you’ll already know a fair amount about them from your interview prep, but it never hurts to be really informed.
Use their website, social media networks, industry associations, news, LinkedIn, and, of course, a quick Google search to dig deep.
3. Have a designated workspace
Ensure your computer, video conferencing and Wi-Fi connection are working properly and that you have a comfortable (and quiet) place to work.
For video conferencing, make sure that you choose a tidy background that’s up to professional standards.
Upskilling yourself by taking advantage of any free online learning that will help you in your new role.
4. Collaboration and communication tools
Becoming familiar with the collaboration and communication tools your new company uses such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Trello.
Working from home with a family
How to prepare for the first week of remote work
Your new employer might have an excellent remote onboarding process that covers everything you need to know.
However, not every employer is super-organized (after all, remote working might be new to them too) so, when in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask. You’ll no doubt have a line manager who will be your main point of contact and be able to help you.
Some key questions to ask to have a successful first week include:
1. What Equipment do you need
What equipment will you need at home to help you carry out your role? What kit will your employer provide, and what do you need to provide?
2. Policies and procedures:
What do you need to know? Your line manager should give you access to all the usual policies and practices like health & safety, email and internet policies, codes of conduct, and inclusion policies.
3. If you need any additional training
Ask if there’s any training that you need to do. Some larger companies provide digital training to help you get to know them or special issues concerning their industry.
4. Know your teammates
Who do you need to know? Find out who you need to contact for IT problems or who you’ll be working with in your team or other departments.
When you know what you’re supposed to be doing, you can relax into your role and get the job done. Your line manager will help you with this, so make sure that you have regular discussions so that you can:
5. What is expected of you on a weekly basis
Know what you’re working on and your weekly schedule of work. Update your teammates on your progress, and any challenges that you’re facing. Regular chats mean that you can solve little issues before they become big problems.
Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking. Starting a new role remotely can add an extra layer of stress. However, with this comprehensive guide with tips for starting a new job working remotely, you’ll be able to effortlessly slide into your new role.
