By Rachel Robinson
In this post, we say goodbye and good luck to our fabulous Social Media Coordinator, Rachel Robinson. Even as she takes on a new job, she’s still teeing up great content for us here at KDH Consulting. Read on about her experience starting her new role remotely. Hiring managers and companies take note: the experience you create with new remote hires can be an opportunity!
You may not know me personally, but you have read my blog posts, seen my Instagram photos, and had my newsletters hit your inbox over the last 2 years as I served as the social media manager for the KDH Consulting Team. I have always worked remote jobs because the digital space does not always require a physical meeting room. But what happens when the job is supposed to be in a physical space and you’re in the middle of a pandemic? Then what? Learn how I made sure to stay excited, not isolated, despite being completely remote.
Pivot has become the word of 2020, and recently I did exactly that as I transitioned into a new full-time job role in finance. But unlike most new hires, who show up to their first day often with a new outfit, new haircut, and a whole group of other new hires, this time, I was in my PJs and my training took place on my kitchen counter. Navigating a completely new role, new team, and new challenges while alone in my tiny city apartment has come with its challenges. But I have learned a few tricks to pivot into success through the world of remote onboarding, training, & working.
Take Walks
This tip isn’t just for new hires–it’s good for every remote worker to keep in mind. Schedule yourself 10-15 minute breaks in your day to leave your workspace, head outside, & take a walk. This will not only reset your mind but moving your body will wake up your brain to keep you productive and help to avoid the midday slump.
Find a Mentor
This is critical for new hires: you want to find a mentor quickly. We do not have coworkers working next to us anymore to just ask a question in passing. So it’s important to identify someone you can turn to. Pick someone you trust to go to when you have questions or are unsure about processes in your new role. If you haven’t been able to find someone, ask your hiring manager or supervisor to set you up. This “phone-a-friend” is your go-to for questions, concerns, and everything in between. My mentor and I slack all day long, and I would not have climbed the learning curve as fast as I have without his wisdom!
Write it Down
Circling back to the reality that questions can no longer be asked on the fly, you will find yourself having to go out of your way to ask them. When you do find answers, write them down so you never have to repeat it. This will save you time, effort, and stress in the long run. Not to mention earns the respect of the people you’re asking. Personally, the sticky notes app on my computer is where I save all SOPs, random questions, phone numbers, and anything I feel I may need to reference again.
Make The Extra Effort
Working remotely means you will not meet your work best friend in the break room or find a group of coworkers to chat with at lunch, but it does not mean you should be isolated during the workday. If you are starting a new job with a group of new hires, go out of your way to get to know them. Make the extra effort on calls to ask how their day is going or ask about their pets or kids if they mentioned it in an icebreaker. Creating these relationships will create a connection in the workplace despite not physically being with one another, making the day a bit more enjoyable from the comfort of your own home.
With anything, go in with confidence and enjoy this new opportunity! There are so many exciting benefits of working from home and with a few pointers along the way, you are guaranteed success!