There’s no escaping the fact that starting a new job is an intense and sometimes stressful time. Starting remotely can be particularly troublesome because of the distance between you and the workplace. However, if you’re embarking on one of the many permanent or temporary jobs in London now being done from home, it’s still possible to get off to a great start. Here’s how:
Prepare
With new office support jobs in London, it’s easy to think that there’s not much to prepare in advance. You’d traditionally turn up on your first day and acclimatise to the work and the culture. However, when you’re starting remotely, you need to do your homework first:
- Research
Starting remotely, you aren’t going to learn much about the company by osmosis and incidental interactions with colleagues. As such, it’s worth having an organisational chart and learning where you fit in. Have a good delve into their social media channels, and get to know as much as you can about the company in advance.
- Setup
Ensure you have a quiet and suitable homeworking set-up with an excellent wi-fi connection and suitable tech. Make sure your background is tidy and professional. Find out which platforms and software the company uses for video calls and project management/communication, and make sure that you’ve undertaken any familiarisation and training needed.
Week 1
Remember that remote on-boarding is potentially a new ball game for your new employer too. They may have a streamlined process, but equally, they may not. It can be helpful to know what needs to be considered and for you to take a certain amount of the initiative.
- Policies, procedures, and contracts
Make sure that you know everything you need to know! New employees often meet with HR on day one and are given things such as a Staff Handbook. If you haven’t been sent this, ask for it. Read it, and ask questions if you need to.
- Equipment
Have you got everything you need at home? It’s much easier to ask for things in your first few days than after several weeks. This could be anything from a headset to a chair. Be open, and discuss what you need and how you can get it.
- People
Take responsibility for figuring out everyone you would need to be introduced to if you were physically present onsite. It can also be worth asking for a “buddy” who can be your port-of-call and useful for telling you who’s who.
- Training
Ask whether there’s any initial training you need to do, then do it.
Building a relationship with your boss and others
It’s vital to take responsibility for building a good working relationship with your line manager. Working remotely, that means making a concerted effort and having a strategic approach:
- Check-in
Chat each morning in the early days to check you understand their expectations.
- Update
Take responsibility for keeping them informed of any difficulties you are facing.
- Set goals
Ensure you have clear goals established between you with a defined timeline for achievement.
- Introduce
Seize every opportunity to introduce yourself verbally and visually through video calls. Don’t rely on email.
- Take part
Even if socialising with work colleagues on or offline isn’t usually your thing, at least take part to begin with. It’s a quick way of getting to know people better.
Changing jobs when remote on-boarding is necessary can be nerve-wracking, but it is possible to make a smooth transition.
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