I had the good fortune to find a permanent job in 2020 — during one of the worst economic downturns we’ve ever experienced. I’ve also had the semi-bad luck to deal with starting a new job in a 100% virtual setting. I still consider myself fortunate; however, the last few months have been challenging. Here is what I’ve learned so far.
Ask a lot of questions
We’ve all been told there are no stupid questions but somehow we always end up feeling, well, stupid. I’ve given myself permission to ask any and all questions. Besides getting answers, it provides an opportunity to have a conversation even if it’s only over email or Microsoft Teams. Other tidbits of information often fall out of these conversations which are building blocks to shortening my learning curve.
I started a question log to send to my boss and/or teammates once or twice a week to reduce the number of one-off questions, when appropriate. Being organized helps take the sting out of what might be a stupid question and it shows that I’m interested in learning.
Talk to strangers
I’m a social person by nature but reaching out to people and potentially asking them to step away from their busy to do list has been unnerving. I’ve been pushing myself to continually set up one-on-one meetings (video on) across the company. Since my communications work touches all corners of the business, I make sure my colleagues know I’m here for them when their team needs to share information down the road. I always try to make some part of the conversation of benefit to them.
Also, one of our HR managers initiated a “you started a job during a pandemic” chat group which helps newbies connect. A savvy new employee took advantage of this and started a sub-group for those interested in connecting regularly.
Take a lot of notes
This is the most important piece of advice I can give. I’ve made the mistake of relying on my memory a few times and, although asking a question again when your new is not a cardinal sin, taking notes helps the information “stick” a little more and makes it easy to refer back to time and time again.
Ask for feedback
And a lot of it. This one is hard because no one likes to hear they didn’t do or say something right. Mistakes are going to happen even when you aren’t brand new. So, just learn from it and move forward. Asking for specific input – good or bad – is the best way to assimilate into your new work environment.
Be patient
I am not a patient person by nature, so I’ve had to remind myself to do this almost every day since I started my new role. The usual ramp up time will be longer without the luxury of in person meetings, especially casual ones in the break room. Overhearing a conversation is no longer an option to being in the know.
I try to remind myself that most people I’m working with have met each other in person and have never started a job in a 100% virtual setting. Myself, and many others in the same situation, are forging new territory and learning as we go.
I’d love to hear what is working for you as a new employee or how you are supporting your new virtual teammates?
About the Author
Hello! I’m Nancy Standifer and I’m a member of the Internal Communications team at Brooks Running. Their outdoor lifestyle suits me well since, when I’m not working, I like to be outside — hiking, biking, skiing etc. I’m a member of Women in Communications and actively involved in PRSA as well as a local group of Internal Communicators who meet quarterly to share industry best practices.
