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Build your network internally. HR runs on relationships. Try to book calls with all your teammates and get to know them well. Take notes after the call if you learn their kids/spouse/pets names, what they like to do. It may sound weird to do that but you have a lot of people to meet...
Besides that, I'd book calls with people across the company in various roles and levels of seniority. Try to understand what they work on, why it matters (to them/to the company), what cool stuff their team built in the last year. This will give you a lot of context.
working from home, can be alittle distant. But you can always message your team Good morning or send them encouraging messages to break the ice. I usually like doing video calls to see people face to face.
I recently switched from distribution to healthcare and am in the same boat! A couple things that have helped me so far:
- Use MS teams or whatever internal system you have for quick questions but pick up the phone when you can so that you have the time to build relationships. That being said - ask if people are free before you call. With the flexibility of working from home, I have noticed that people keep different hours (logged on longer each day but take breaks to run errands, pick up kids, lunch workout, etc.)
- Set a schedule for yourself and have a designated work area (if you can). I have a one bedroom but squeezed a desk into the corner of my kitchen nook because I was having a hard time focusing at my kitchen table. Even though it is only about a 4 foot difference, having my monitors set up and my notebooks in a designated spot has helped me focus.
- Ask questions and be upfront that this is a new situation for you. You do have a grace period as you adapt and people will appreciate the honesty.
- Agree with the below about using video calls to brainstorm, talk things through and generally connect. Find out if people like to be on camera or not. I had one boss who insisted we were on camera, my current boss is only on camera if we are interviewing someone.
- To intro meetings with the people you will be partnering with regularly. Find out what they want to share, what their pain points are and overcommunicate at first until you're comfortable.
Good luck!
Great advice from others already 👏
1. Not sure what the company culture is but I was able to break the ice by sending funny memes and videos to our group chat that allowed me to find my people. Also the team felt really comfortable and talks to me quite often- I personally feel that I talk to the most coworkers and other employees because of this in my department.
2. If you are able to or need to save for it: Buy yourself a standing desk. I promise this will be the best purchase you can make for your health: physically, emotionally and mental.
3. If you need a pick me up, change out of your pajamas lol. I feel more motivated when I change clothes, even if it’s just yoga pants and a t shirt.
4. You might feel a bit lonely sometimes but talk to your coworkers, if some are nearby maybe decide to meet up at a halfway point. Or visit your family, friends or have your pet on hand lol. But seriously, you can also go to a cafe, library etc to be around people.
5. Clean your space. Move your desk to face a window or a sliding door or at least near it. Really invest in creating a beautiful space that makes you feel good or that when you see from your desk it feels clean and light. It doesn’t have to be expensive to be honest.
I work remotely and absolutely love it, after being in office I truly hated it but I was also the type of person who preferred the flexibility. If it’s something you’re not used to or feel kind of isolated I would recommend maybe checking out coffee shops or cafes you can work at and switch it up every now and then! Even visit family or go to different states for a week or so and work too! I have been traveling and working and it’s been the best thing ever being able to check out new places but also get what I need to done
I often set up teams calls to brainstorm and work through projects with others while all on video - makes it feel like we are in a room together! It’s fun and much more productive
Also avoid working in your bedroom lol
Get into a home/work routine. Use Outlook to put in calls and tasks so you stay focused and make the most out of your day. Take your breaks. Take a walk during those breaks or get fresh air. I say this because it’s VERY easy to skip breaks and work 12 hours days once you start working from home. There’s less of a boundary: make one.
As much as possible, make your own working space. If you have a spare/own room, much better. It will take some time before you can fully adjust but you'll get the hang of it.