Starting in a new role working remotely? A few bits of advice.

Starting a new role is an exciting, odd and disquieting experience when we’re not in the middle of a global pandemic and working remotely. It’s even odder right now. There are some things I’ve seen help new starters feel better from day one.

Call your colleagues for small stuff and just to chat. Do it often. Use a small query as an excuse if it makes you feel better about it. People I see struggle to integrate are those who wait for a ‘business reason’ to call, so end up missing out on the little interactions that forge relationships

Don’t over deliver. Do just enough. Most non-profit roles are never-ending. There’s always more that can be done. This makes the sector fascinating and exciting, but means that you have to be disciplined enough to say ‘I’ve done what I can today and there’s another day tomorrow.’

It’s easy to end up over-delivering in the first weeks of any role, to ‘make an impression’ and ‘put your best foot forward’ but even more so when you can dip in at any time. The problem with this approach, is that once you’ve settled in and try to move to a more normal level of output it’s easy to start to worry that your new employer and colleagues will think you’ve taken your foot off the gas. (Even if no one’s actually noticed!)

Make time to keep abreast of the incredible work the organisation are doing. You need this information to do your job well and keep your supporters informed, but also to regularly remind yourself that you’re now an active part of making that difference happen.

If there’s not much of an induction in place, create your own. Work out what you need to know, what you’d like to know and who you need to get to know, then reach out to them. (But clear it with your manager first)

Realise that it's normal to feel out of place and a bit removed. Everyone has been experiencing that recently, even if they’ve been in their role for years. As a newbie, no one expects you to know everyone or everything, so don’t put that expectation on yourself.

Pass it on. Keep notes of the little things that made your first weeks easier and perhaps pass on that knowledge to the next new starter to make it easier for them.

Finally. Congratulate yourself on finding a new role in a sector that has never been more vital. Enjoy it.