In the new normal working world, returning to work full-time at your city centre office or at that ‘trendy tech startup’ co-working space is likely to still be at least only a part-time reality.

So, with remote working and working from home likely to continue to be the standard for many of us, here’s our guide for anyone who is starting a new job and needs some tips on effective remote working when still part of a team.

It’s a 50/50 thing

The effective management of a remote working team is not just the responsibility of the management. Nor should employees be expected to know exactly how to work efficiently from home. This is very much a 50/50 thing, with both parties perhaps finding their way in this new normal scenario. So, much like in our recent guide on how to onboard remote employees, there are some aspects that will seem very much like common sense, and other tips where there perhaps may be some trial and error. Be open to this.

 And, if you are going to work for a new and scaling tech startup, be prepared that you might need to allow for a little more wiggle room to get things exactly right. Tech startups will often have great and flexible work cultures, but perhaps be a little light on the detail - remember that they often won’t have 3 layers of HR who’ve already smoothed out WFH best practice.

Organise

Whether you are starting a new role and working in the office or from home, there are still some things that your employer will 100% require. In the UK this will mean things such as your passport (for ID) and your P45 from your last employer. Other things that are more optional, but that may well be required will be your home address (for where to send you a work laptop or any company swag, if you are getting those things!) and even your company profile bio and photo so that the company ‘about the team’ page can be updated.

Try to create an office space within your home environment - there is nothing worse than sofa-based working, or even working off the dressing table in your bedroom!

Also, try to stick to a ‘going to work’ routine. This might even involve leaving the house in the morning, going for a 15-minute walk, and then returning to the house to properly start your working day. That routine will stand you in good stead to keep you focused on the day in hand, and also help to create a separate work/life day.

Updating your profile details

A couple of quick things here. Firstly if you have that green circular branding on your LinkedIn profile to highlight you are looking for work - take it off once you’ve had that remote interview and accept that new role, as otherwise, it could quickly send mixed messages to your new employer.

Secondly, don’t update your LinkedIn profile until you have officially started and been announced into your new funky startup role. Getting in early and announcing it publicly could backfire especially if your new employer has not had time to tell the whole team

Communication

On your first day and within that first week it will be quite common to feel a sense of uncertainty in terms of the job role and your daily responsibilities. This can be further amplified when starting a new job and working remotely, as you don’t have the immediacy of an office full of helpful folk to answer any questions you have. Accept that sense of uncertainty and consider ways you can work around these issues.

Don’t panic, as your new employer is likely to have a day 1, week 1 and long-term strategy in place to make sure you get all the information you need.

Perhaps in terms of taking one's own responsibility, if this works for your new employer, ask if you can arrange 121 zoom calls with team members you are likely to be working with. Also, perhaps if appropriate you can reach out via email to say hello and introduce yourself. And going that step further, perhaps even drop an email over to those that interviewed you for the role to say thanks. It’s a nice gesture that can be a great way to showcase yourself.

In terms of getting to know your work colleagues, appreciate that whilst Zoom, Slack, WhatsApp etc, are fab ways to build up virtual rapport, it will probably take you longer to get to know your co-workers than usual. So don’t over analyse if you still feel isolated after a few weeks - team bonding will take longer.

Your new employer may even introduce you to some fun and exciting ways of bringing the team together - even if all the team are working remotely!

Be careful too in terms of your communication tone and language. People don’t know you, nor do they know your personality, so it can be easy to be misread and misunderstood.

Understanding expectations…

Depending on how effectively your new employer communicates with you, you may need to make sure that you know and understand your expectations and key performance indicators (KPIs). Working remotely can mean that you are unaware of what you are being measured upon as an employee. It is therefore vital that you have what you will need to be successful properly mapped out.

Furthermore in terms of communication, without sending 5-6 update emails per day, make sure that your boss knows what you are doing. It's essential to create that sense of responsibility.

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