How to Start a New Job Remotely

The global economy is starting to see news of recovery, with hiring intentions improving since last quarter in 37 of 43 countries. Better-than-anticipated data shows a recovery on the right track, and ManpowerGroup is seeing employers hiring in the key areas. 

These newly added jobs, while much of the economy remains working from home, means that onboarding looks different these days without the traditional face-to-face meet and greets. But the same principles that help people get comfortable in a new role still apply. Here are ways to start a new job during the time of working from home.

Learn how your team communicates 
Teams. Slack. Zoom. Conference calls. Mac or PC or phone. Email or Instant Messaging. The list goes on for ways to communicate, both in person and virtually, and each team and manager has a different preferred process. When starting in a new role, make sure to get clarity with your manager about how and when your new team communicates, and understand any technology that you may need to download, order or upgrade in order to stay in the loop and fit with company norms and expectations. 

Pay close attention to culture 
Absorb all the details, norms and routines around you. This is especially important if work is being done remotely and there is less opportunity for in-person interactions. 

Really hear what the other person is saying, instead of formulating your response. Ask for clarification to avoid misunderstandings. The person speaking to you should be the most important person. Don’t multitask. This means that if you are speaking to someone on the phone or in a virtual meeting, give it your full attention instead of multitasking. 

Join social groups at work 
Think beyond the professional setting and get creative to make bonds with new teammates. If the only time you interact with colleagues is on projects and conference calls in meetings, it’s going to be hard to build friendships. Instead, carve out niches for friendship at work by joining social groups, which can also take the form of Teams/ Zoom happy hours, Business Resource Groups, Facebook groups for hobbies and other shared interests. 

Finally, give the onboarding process even more time and attention than necessary in an in-person environment. Expect to slowly adapt to culture, understand routine and feel like a part of the workplace, but on a longer schedule. Be deliberate and the same outcomes will arrive.