Starting a graduate job for the first time can be incredibly daunting. However, what can be even more challenging is starting a graduate role virtually. Flexible working arrangements have become increasingly popular and widespread in the workplace since the onset of COVID-19. Both employers and employees are interested in fostering a workspace that encourages productivity, efficiency, and results. As a result, for many employers and employees alike, virtual and remote arrangements fit the bill. Navigating the virtual office space can be a difficult process to adapt to. Beginning a new role virtually can present some difficulties. This article will provide advice on how to handle a remote employment set up so you can build a successful career in your new workplace.

How can I manage this transition?

You can exercise your soft skills to manage this tricky transition period to maximise your chances of success in the role. Here are some qualities to implement to achieve this effect:

Proactivity

You can be proactive about the way you approach your new work and the (lack of) social interactions. This means coming up with action strategies for resolving challenges that you may face. For example, to make up for the limited social interactions with your co-workers due to the virtual workplace setup, you may choose to send out an email to your team members introducing yourself. You may also initiate meetings and check-ins to get to know them and the work they do within the team. Being proactive will show your new coworkers that you have a genuine interest in being part of a team and building a professional working relationship despite the geographical barrier. 

Resilience

Resilience is an important but difficult skill to manage. You are likely to face challenges when trying to integrate into the workplace while working virtually. However, success is only possible if you are patient with yourself and others and if you practise resilience. While drawbacks can be frustrating, it will take time for you to develop the best strategies for working remotely while maintaining a collaborative relationship with your co-workers. 

Positivity

It is difficult to remain positive if you feel overwhelmed. However, a positive attitude can allow you to make good lasting impressions with your new co-workers and help you build strong working relationships. A positive outlook can also allow you to foster more resilience and patience when dealing with challenges. 

How can I remain part of a team virtually?

It may seem impossible to connect with your co-workers and be a part of a team if you are working virtually. However, regardless of whether your colleagues are working remotely or in the office, you can become a valued member of the team.

Be creative with communication

In the workplace, employees interact with each other in a variety of ways. Whether it's attending a team meeting, having your lunch break together, talking over the coffee pot or while waiting for the printer, or even just communicating with the person who sits beside you in the office, these interactions help you feel as though you are part of a team. These interactions are difficult to replicate while working virtually, however you can schedule quick meetings with your new co-workers once you begin the job. These meetings, either over the phone or video, can allow you to introduce yourself, your place within the team, and your hobbies and interests. This can allow you to connect with your co-workers and begin building valuable working relationships. This first meeting can be the start of regular check-ins that can allow you to stay engaged and updated on the progress of a current project or task, while simultaneously connecting with your colleagues.

How can I seek support virtually?

As this transition can be challenging, it is important to have strategies in place that help you with seeking support:

Engage Mentors

Some companies have mentorship programs that help guide new employees. However, regardless of whether your workplace has such an initiative, you can engage one or two individuals within the company that can help you navigate the company, its operations, and the rules and procedures. This usually occurs organically, however it is difficult in a virtual setup. You can nonetheless contact employees within your new place of employment through email. This can help you remain engaged in the company culture and be a source for receiving support with any queries or challenges you may be facing.

Ask Questions

Asking questions in the fastest and easiest way to attain help with a problem or an answer for a query. Asking questions comes naturally to some people, especially those that are more extroverted and eager to learn. For others who are more introverted, asking questions can seem daunting. Asking questions is even more crucial while starting a new job virtually. This is because in a face-to-face environment, body language can often signal to others when a person is confused about something. Facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language are big indicators. This is mitigated on a virtual office set-up. As a result, it is important to be open and honest about any challenges or uncertainties you may be facing. Asking questions can have a whole host of benefits for not only you, but also your co-workers and the company itself. 

Here are some benefits of asking questions:

Mitigate Frustration

Frustration due to miscommunication or misunderstandings is a common happenstance when starting a new role. There is a lot of information that you need to know about the duties and obligations of your role, who you will be working alongside and reporting to, rules, procedures and guidebooks associated with human resources and workplace interactions, and your payslip and the company’s pay cycles. It is normal for some of this information to be misconstrued or to be completely forgotten to be communicated. Therefore, it is important to ask questions to negate the frustration that is likely to occur as a result. Otherwise, you are likely to become increasingly more frustrated, confused, and overwhelmed, which will only be heightened by the fact that you are not physically interacting with your colleagues. 

Company Culture

Asking your co-workers any questions that you may have can allow you to participate in the typical employee dynamics of workplace environments. This can allow you to be part of the team and be involved in the company’s culture.

Engagement

Asking questions about the company, its procedures, and its operations can allow you to remain engaged in the work that is occurring. It also shows your manager or supervisor that you are dedicated and committed to the company as you sincerely care about the way it functions and its success. Keep in mind that these questions are typically not time sensitive or urgent to any of the responsibilities of your role. They should therefore not be asked all at once to avoid overwhelming the person you are asking. Instead, they should be spaced out. This can also allow you to initiate conversation with co-workers and remain connected.