What to Do On the First Day of Your New Remote Job

ByGreg Kratz, Contributing Writer

It’s your first day on the new remote job. Your commute takes you down the hallway from your kitchen to your home office, where you wake up your computer and prepare to dive into life as a remote worker.

As you log into the company’s system for the first time, there are some things you can do to help you get started on the right foot, especially if this is your first time working as a virtual employee.

What To Do the First Day of a Remote Job

1. Prepare Your Home Office

If you didn’t get a chance to prepyour home officebefore you started your new remote job, day one is the perfect time totake an inventory and make sure you have everything you needto be an effective, efficient, productive remote worker.

While not an exhaustive list, this can include:

Making sure you have the correct user names and passwords
Checking your computer and accessories to make sure they work and see if you need upgrades
Having a comfortable andergonomic setup
Setting boundarieswith friends and family members

2. Get Oriented

你的新雇主可能给了你一些通知ation to help you get started. This could include a handbook, rules, or a list of programs the company uses for communication and collaboration.

Read through any available resources and knowledge bases and start learning about the job and the company. Of course, if you have any questions, make sure to ask!

3. Change Your Communication Strategy

If your last job was in an office, you probably had the luxury of asking questions of many different colleagues during your first days and weeks of work. It was easy to pop your head over the cubicle wall and get help, but it won’t be the same when you work remotely.

On the first day of your new remote job,let your boss and teammates know that you’re online and ready to go. Then make sure you’re available to both ask and answer questions throughout the day. Don’t be afraid toover-communicate, as it will help you understand who can answer different kinds of questions.

4. Learn Your Colleagues’ Preferences

Chances are your company uses avariety of communication platformsfor everything from video conferencing and email to instant messaging and online chats. Your first day on the job is a good time to start figuring out which colleagues prefer which communication methods for various kinds of questions and activities.

5. Take a Few Meetings

While meetings can be the bane of the average office worker’s existence,they can be quite helpful when you’re starting a new remote position. Though your boss will probably schedule meetings with key people on your team for the first few days on the job, if they aren’t scheduled, take the initiative and schedule them yourself.

6. Network With Coworkers

One of your best resources for answering questions about your new role will be other virtual employees at the company. Figure out who they are and contact a few of them. Tell them a little about yourself and ask for any first-day tips. Their experience is likely to be valuable for months to come.

7. Clarify Expectations With Your Boss

Your manager isn’t going to be there, hovering over your shoulder, letting you know what you should and shouldn’t be doing. That’s a good thing for the most part, but as you’re starting a new job, it’snice to know what your boss expects from you. Ask for some time on your first day to make sure youunderstand their needs regarding communication, task management, and productivity.

8. Thank Everyone

You’re going to ask lots of questions as you start your new job. And while your coworkers are likely more than happy to offer their assistance,offer words of gratitudeto everyone who answers your IMs and emails, whether it’s your manager, another remote worker, or a colleague in the office. Saying thanks is a great way to start building relationships.

9. Be Kind to Yourself

As you look back on yourfirst day as a remote workerin your new role,don’t be too hard on yourself. Even if you didn’t accomplish everything you hoped to, take a deep breath, relax, and remember that you’ve got many more days to come. What you learned on day one will help you on day two, and that process will continue as long as you prepare well, work hard, ask questions, and learn from your mistakes.

The Adventure Begins

The first day of your new remote job is exciting. Using these tips can help you make the most of your first day on the job. If you have changed careers and this is your first day in your new career field, readHow To Handle the First Day of Your New Career.

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