During this uncertain time in our world right now, many people companies have transitioned to a remote work model due to COVID-19. This presents some challenges for new employees, especially if this is your first job. You’re not exactly sure what to expect and you’re finding yourself navigating it on your own without the in-person support that normally comes with starting a new job or internship. Even if you aren’t starting a new job, your job may have transitioned to a remote environment. Don’t fret too much because lots of people are trying to figure out this new situation. Here are some tips on starting a new job/internship and how to set yourself up for success while working from home.
1. Understand your role and expectations
Take some time to learn about the company, your specific job responsibilities, and how that fits into the overall day to day operations of the company. Ask your supervisor about any required training that pertains to your role. If there isn’t a formalized training, ask about some reading material or sources that will help you better understand your specific role or the company overall. You’ll also want to know who the best person is to ask further questions, it may not be your supervisor and could be a colleague. Give yourself some grace and patience while you learn about your job. You’re not going to have all the answers right away and that’s okay. There is a learning curve and you should embrace it.
2. Familiarize yourself with the company’s preferred technology
Every company uses different forms of technology to communicate with their teams. You’ll want to pay close attention and ask about how the team communicates. Some places might prefer video calls or phone calls, while other places prefer emails or instant messaging platforms. Remember to maintain professionalism by maintaining a clear and neutral tone. Besides using technology for communication, you might also need to learn other software in order to do your job, so it's important to remember to ask questions when you’re unsure. You might also want to ask your boss if the company will be providing a computer or laptop and what the protocols are in relation to connecting to a VPN or other company networks.
3. Establish relationships within the workplace
It is much harder to establish relationships with your supervisor and coworkers in a virtual environment, but it is just as important to develop those relationships so that you can succeed in your job. In the beginning, you might need to remind people who you are and that you’re new to the company in emails. Depending on the preferred method of technology, you can spark side conversations with your coworkers by introducing yourself and having a more casual conversation. If your company uses video chats, you could ask a colleague to grab a “virtual” coffee with you so that you can get to know them better. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your colleagues.
4. Create a structure and routine
Since you’ll be working and relaxing in the same space, you will want to set some boundaries between work time and relaxation time. Be sure to ask your supervisor about working hours so that you can establish a schedule based on your work hours. Once you have a set schedule, be sure to stick to it. Don’t forget to include breaks throughout your day that include getting up and moving around. You might even want to venture outside for some sunshine. Be care careful not to work more hours than required to avoid burnout. If you live with other people, you will also want to be sure to communicate boundaries to cut down on distractions during the workday. You’ll want to be sure to get dressed for work every day, even if it's not in full business professional attire. Follow the example set by your colleagues and if you’re unsure just ask about the preferred attire. The act of getting dressed in “work clothes” allows your mind to be in the right place to do work.
5. Create a workspace to allow for productivity
Keeping your work and home lives separate is particularly hard when it comes to working remotely. Working from home doesn’t allow for you to have physical separation from your home and work life, so you’ll need to find ways to recreate that as much as possible. You might not have the ability to have a separate room for your office. You might have to convert a dining room table to an office space or add a desk to your bedroom. Your workspace doesn’t have to be a completely separate room, but you’ll want to find a designated spot and make it as comfortable as possible. Creating a physical workspace will allow you to turn “on” as you begin your workday and turn “off” as you end your workday. Turning off your laptop or computer at the end of the day also allows you to set boundaries between personal and work time.
There are not any right or wrong ways when it comes to working from home. Everyone has their own unique set of circumstances that influence their environment and what they’re able to do. It’s important for you to find what works best for you. These tips should help you get started on your new job or internship. Don’t panic and give yourself grace during this very uncertain time. You can do this!
- Written by Amarette Renieri, Career Coordinator for General Engineering Students