January sees more people start new jobs than any other month of the year. If you’re among those making a fresh start this new year, you might be splitting your time between a home office and company HQ, or joining a fully remote team across different time zones. Either way, whether you’re splitting your week between home and office, or joining a fully remote team, here’s how to set yourself up for success.

 

Master the Digital-First Introduction

A new face in the office stands out and draws curiosity – people soon start to ask questions, introduce themselves and even offer help. If you’re on screen, you’ll have to make things slightly more explicit, says psychology professor Art Markman. Take a moment in team meetings to announce yourself, post an introduction in forums like Slack or Teams, and send some brief emails to your new colleagues. “Many of your colleagues would like to welcome you; they just need more explicit reminders to do so than they might otherwise,” he says. And, he adds, don’t wait for offers of assistance – ask for what you need.

 

Get Comfortable with Your Work Tools

If the technology isn’t working, you’re not working. So, make sure you familiarise yourself with your new laptop and all the company’s key software. Christine Wright, senior recruiter at Hays, recommends also getting to know the process for raising IT issues. She suggests paying particular attention to ensuring the sound and video are working for meetings and practising looking at the camera rather than the screen so that it looks like you’re making eye contact. “It’s important to ensure you’re representing yourself well and authentically via video conferencing,” she says.

 

Create Structure Through Clear Expectations

Many problems with remote work result from a lack of communication or mismatched expectations. To settle nerves, ask for a written onboarding plan outlining what you must do over the first couple of months. “If one doesn’t exist, try to make one yourself,” suggests Tim Su, the founder of the remote working company Tandem. Show it to your manager and have them approve it or suggest alternatives so everyone is clear.

 

Maximise Your Impact (Wherever You Work)

From keeping your camera on to getting time with the boss, you have to be seen to be noticed. “While great work is critical, it’s not enough unless decision-makers know about it,” says psychologist and career coach Dawn Graham. She suggests being proactive about setting up Zoom chats with your new co-workers and check-ins with your line manager. If you’re not as busy as expected, she says, “don’t stress”. Look for problems you can solve or reach out to colleagues periodically to offer help.

 

Build Your Network Through ‘Connectors’

Networking is vital but hard when you’re isolated at home. One hack to speed up making those connections is to find people who are “connectors”. Art Markman defines them as “someone who knows all the people you should know in order to make things happen”. Building a real relationship with these people can turbocharge your networking with everyone else. They might stand out easily, but if not, ask colleagues or your manager who they consider the connectors to be.

 

Mix Online and Office Connections

Plan your office days to make the most of face-to-face time. In person, prioritise relationship-building activities like team lunches, informal coffee chats, or joining after-work socials. For remote days, maintain connections through quick virtual check-ins and active participation in digital channels. Remember that building strong working relationships often involves a mix of formal and informal interactions – look for opportunities to engage in both.