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It’s exciting to begin a job when your first day is in an office with all your new coworkers nearby. But what happens when you have a remote job? From navigating tech setups to building relationships with coworkers you haven’t met in person, starting a new remote job adds unique challenges to overcome. Here are some suggestions for your first days at a new job as a remote employee that can help you avoid feeling isolated and set you off on the right foot in your new remote role.

Before your first day

Check your tech If your new employer sends you any work equipment, don’t delay in checking it out to make sure everything’s in working order. If something’s wrong, ask your manager for IT support and follow up with them. Your company’s IT rep can also give you direction on setting up equipment if you’ll be using your own devices. Besides email, don’t forget to ask about file sharing, online collaboration tools and anything other technology or data you might need to interact with your new team effectively. Set up your workspace for success Go beyond just checking your tech. Create a dedicated, ergonomic workspace that inspires productivity. Invest in a good chair, lighting and noise-canceling headphones. A well-designed workspace can boost your mood and focus, especially when you’re not in an office environment. Review all company materials available to you Many firms now provide a formal onboarding experience for remote employees, albeit online. Smaller firms or startups may not. In either case, proactively ask for documents and links to videos the company has that can provide an overview of the firm’s policies, code of conduct and best practices. Familiarizing yourself with this information before your first day on the job can give you a head start in understanding the firm’s organizational culture and expectations for employees.

On day one of your new remote job

Impress them with your virtual introduction When introducing yourself in team meetings or Slack channels, go beyond the basics. Share a fun fact, a photo of your workspace, or a personal hobby. For example: “Hi everyone! I’m Rachel, the new copywriter. I’m based in California, and when I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking with my dog, Luna. Excited to collaborate with all of you!” Read our videoconference etiquette tips to ensure you’re always professional, polished and prepared on camera. Join virtual social spaces Many remote teams have virtual watercooler channels (e.g., #pets, #books, #fitness) or host regular virtual events like trivia nights or book clubs. Participate actively in these spaces to build camaraderie and show your personality. Create a ‘cheat sheet’ Jot down important information you learn throughout the day, like key contacts and their roles, common acronyms or jargon used by the team and links to any training docs and onboarding videos you’re provided. Save links to essential platforms (e.g. email, project management tools, HR portals) in a dedicated folder for easy access. Discover individual preferences Take note of how your new manager and coworkers like to interact. Some people prefer the phone, while others prefer email or instant messages. The earlier you figure out how different people like to connect, the faster you’ll establish a good rapport with them. If you don’t know, ask. Most people will be happy to share how they prefer to communicate. Your first day is just the beginning—read about common mistakes to avoid when starting a new job.

Beyond day one of your remote role

Ask for feedback early and often It’s likely new supervisors will want to meet with new hires daily for the first few days. If that’s not the case for you, proactively update your manager on what you’re working on each day to make sure you’re on track. When you talk to your supervisor, ask for feedback. How did you do during your first week? Are there ways you can improve on communicating from afar? It’s important to get this kind of gauge when beginning in a new position, especially a remote one, to ensure you’re on the right track. You’ll also demonstrate that you’re open to constructive criticism—an important quality in any employee. Create structure as well as clear boundaries Establish boundaries between your work and home life. If your manager hasn’t suggested working hours for you, select some and ask whether your plan is workable for your supervisor and colleagues. Try to keep these same hours each day and share any exceptions you must make as early as possible with others. It’s too easy to just let the work hours slide into personal time. It’s also tempting as a remote employee to stretch your workdays out to accommodate every request, especially when trying to prove yourself in a new role where you aren’t seen in person. Track and share your progress Keep a running list of your accomplishments, feedback, and contributions. This not only helps you track your progress but also makes it easier to share updates with your manager during check-ins. When you complete a task or milestone, share it in a team channel with a quick note of thanks to anyone who helped. For example: “Just wrapped up my first project! Shoutout to [Name] for their guidance.” This reinforces your contributions and fosters a culture of recognition. Read more about how to thrive in your new role with our guide to your first 90 days.
Starting a new remote job may be challenging, but investing effort from day one can set you up for success in the long run. By setting up a dedicated workspace, proactively communicating with your team and embracing tools and routines to keep you organized, you can hit the ground running—even from your living room. Remember, it’s okay to ask questions, take breaks and give yourself time to adjust. A successful remote or hybrid work schedule includes how you connect, contribute and grow in your role. Here’s to make your new remote role a success, no matter where your “office” happens to be.