There is no denying that the Corona pandemic has fundamentally changed the way we work. Home office and video conferences have become the norm, and some say they are here to stay. While the “new normal” can be convenient in many ways, it also presents an unprecedented challenge for new starters. Six months ago, I started my first full-time job for a large technology company in the middle of the pandemic. Amidst all the excitement about getting my dream job, I also felt fear: how would I be able to prove myself remotely? How can I build the foundation for future success in this company that I only know through my laptop screen? I know I am not alone with these worries. So, let me share with you some key learnings from my remote start.
1. Establish routines
I probably don’t need to elaborate on the importance of establishing a healthy routine when you’re working from home. But there is really no better time to do it than the beginning of your new job. For instance, make sure you are getting some fresh air in the morning to mimic a walk to the office, and take time for a proper lunch as well as short stretch breaks in between. These habits will stick with you and keep you sane when work gets too busy.
2. Set yourself up for success
Of course, an adequate work setup is important, too. A stable Internet connection, a comfortable chair, a robust desk, noise cancelling headphones, and a second monitor will make your life a lot easier. It may be difficult to afford all of this, especially if you haven’t received your first salary yet, but there is no harm in asking your employer for support. Luckily, many companies have set aside a budget specifically for home office equipment. Your setup will not only impact your posture, but also your confidence on the job. And when you don’t have to worry about your Wi-Fi connectivity, it’s much easier to focus on what’s really important: human connection.
3. Get social
The social side of work is what many people are missing the most. If you want to build friendships, I recommend looking for a group of people who are going through the same experience – for instance other new starters. Facing similar problems and discussing solutions or simply venting for a while usually creates a sense of community that allows you to get much closer than you could with other colleagues.
4. Build your network
Nonetheless, connecting with established employees is also crucial for your successful integration within the company. I personally made a habit of scheduling at least two virtual coffee chats with different people every week, which really helped me build my network and better understand the company’s structure, methods of working, and corporate politics. If you are nervous about messaging others out of the blue, ask your manager or someone in your team to connect you first. Participating in corporate activities and events can give you another opportunity to meet people, with the added bonus of a shared memory. Alternatively, your company may have programs that randomly match you with other employees, and if it doesn’t, why not start one?
5. Make the most out of each conversation
I found that people are generally sympathetic to my situation as a remote starter and most of them love mentoring. It is completely fine to approach others and ask them to tell you about their experience. And don’t forget that you have something extremely valuable to offer in return: a fresh perspective. Senior leaders in particular may appreciate hearing about your impressions as a newbie, since it can help them discover challenges and opportunities they weren’t aware of. No matter what you talk about, make sure to follow up with the people you talked to, thanking them for their time and briefly reflecting on your conversation. First, it’s the right thing to do, and second, having an existing conversation thread in your internal chat may prove extremely useful when you need to reach out to them in the future.
6. Build your brand
My last piece of advice is to be proactive and ruffle some feathers in your new company. It is never too early to get involved in an initiative or organize an event. For instance, one of my colleagues initiated a casual “lunch and learn” session about a charitable cause he was passionate about during his second month in the company. This turned into a virtual event with over 100 participants, helped him connect with lots of like-minded colleagues and proved to be a major boost for his personal brand. As long as you stay authentic and have fun, you have nothing to lose.
After six months, I can now conclude that starting a new job remotely is different, but not as difficult as I imagined it would be. I’ve met incredible people, made lasting friendships, experienced the corporate culture in many of its facets, and truly become a part of the company. And while I am certainly excited for the office to reopen, I believe that remote work can and will be a major part of the future of work – it is nothing to be afraid of.
Max Kulaga consults businesses on their digital transformation journeys as s Solution Engineer at Salesforce in Ireland. He previously gained experience in strategy consulting and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics & Management from Oxford University as well as the CEMS Master in International Management. In his free time, he writes and produces music and has a passion for art, design, and culture.
Image: Pexels
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