How to navigate your first virtual day on the job

By Nhlanhla Maphetu

Chances are that y our first day at work will take place remotely.

Here's what to expect.

First off, celebrate your new job

Given the economic challenges faced in South Africa, it is hard to secure a job, and when you do, you should celebrate and enjoy the excitement which comes with the offer.

Offer words of gratitude

Above all, offer a word of gratitude and a thank you to your colleagues for assisting you. This helps with building a good work relationship and remember to keep your neutral tone and do not be shy – ask when you do not understand or need clarity.

Prepare your home office before your first day

Sort yourself with the necessary equipment, furniture, and stationery you will need to start your work. Make sure you have a space dedicated to your work and check your internet connection (do a test call with friends!). Check with the company whether you will need your own equipment and whether you need to pay for everything yourself. You might have to put in an order for a company computer, an ergonomic chair, a printer and some extra accessories.

Set boundaries

If you stay with a family, make sure you set boundaries and negotiate time with them and try to sort your office space a day or night before you start with your work.

Meet everyone

First days at work can be daunting, and even more so when you are working from home! Set up virtual meetings with your line manager and colleagues. Ask if you could be introduced to more of the team (you should not have to limit your interactions with those you are directly working with). Specifically ask to chat to anyone that has recently joined the company (in the last 2 years) – you can ask them what they wish they knew on their first day at the company and get advice.

Read before asking questions

You will likely be given various documents to work through. Chances are that any questions you have can be answered in the documents – search through them (they are likely digital, making this step easier) to check that the answers can't be found there. If it is a software related question, look online first. You can always double check that you understand the answer correctly next time you chat with your manager.

Remember to take breaks, sit away from your computer during lunch time and switch off your computer at the end of the day.

Understand expectations

With the onboarding meetings and induction process, make sure you discuss the company expectations and goals with your line manager. This can include what your duties will be, what the company expects from you and establishing how the organisation communicates. Also set up a date in the future to review the progress you make and to set new goals.

Learn to write clearly and simply

When you work remotely, a few misplaced words can become an occupational hazard. Learn to share updates often, and make them clear. Whilst traditional in-office teams have a “speaking culture” where information is shared in person and verbally, work-from-anywhere teams tend to have a “writing culture” – information is primarily shared as text, in the form of online handbooks, “meetings in documents”, status updates, etc.

Make yourself your #1 priority

Remember to take breaks, sit away from your computer during lunch time and switch off your computer at the end of the day. Go for walks, get up early to work on personal projects, get a dog, and most importantly, take care of yourself.