How do I start new job working from home?

[FluffyKittensinabasket]

I’m not working at the moment, I was offered a job in the civil service back in January but due to the security clearance and onboarding due to CV, I’ve only just got a start date.

I’ve been emailed and told to meet the recruiting line manager for a brief handover and to get my laptop and then I’ll be WFH. They didn’t say how long for but I’ve read on Mumsnet either FOREVER or until the end of the year. Oh and my line manager has changed to someone I’ve never met as the team has been disbanded! So I’m doing the same job in a different team.

My main worry is how on Earth I can learn a new job WFH. I’ve worked for this Department a few years ago but not at this base. So I have a laptop, I won’t meet my manager or team. No video conferencing as the Department hasn’t paid for it! I’m a visual person so I need some face to face training etc.

I’ve WFH in other jobs, maybe one day per week. Not every day indefinitely. I’d be happy to go into the office but nobody can tell me what the plans are.

I'm three weeks in. It's fine tbh. I was pointed to where I could find the basics and if unsure I email or ring someone from the team. You'll be fine!

Thanks. I just feel really anxious! DH is away so that doesn’t help.

Sounds really sad but I can’t wait to get back to the office in my nice dresses and heels!

I started home working one week after starting my new job in March. It's mostly be fine. I just organised lots of calls with people to introduce myself and find out what needed doing. Someone did a couple of handover sessions. My boss checks in with me every now and then. And if I can't work something out I just ask. Sorting all the new systems has been the hardest bit. I'd be happy never to go back to the office!

WFH 15 years into a job also has its difficulties. Just do the best you can, and ask if you're not sure about something - it's always easier to ask when you're new. Hopefully, your work colleagues will organise informal video calls to welcome you.

Can you see if they will at least use Google Hangouts for video calls? I think that might be free? Also the CS is gently moving towards getting people back into the office so you may not be WFH as long as you think.

My sister started a new job in April and has been WFH since, she had only met her boss and another colleague who interviewed her in person (pre lockdown). She has said it’s hard at times but you do get into a routine with it.

I would suggest putting calls (maybe WhatsApp video ones?) in with your team mates to get to know them better. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, everyone understands that you’re joining under strange circumstances and that training is harder remotely.

My sister also found out one of her colleagues lived nearby and arranged to meet them in the park for a walk which she said really helped.

Good luck. Our office is looking to start coming back in September/October so maybe yours will be the same.

I think you're over-thinking/worrying about this. Although I haven't started a new job since Covid, for the past year I have worked in a role where there is no one in my location in my team. My manager is 2 hours train ride away and I have seen him twice in person since I started. Has this hindered me? No. I keep in regular contact with him via phone and, to be honest, remote working has its advantages in that you get a bit of space just to do your job without someone side tracking you on other things constantly.

You've worked in this department before so remember in that respect you're at an advantage to a standard newbie. Just make sure you have your managers and other colleague details so you can ask for help when you need it. I'm sure it will be fine.

We’re currently training a new starter in my team at the moment. We have a daily team Skype call for 10-15 mins and then between 4 of us we’re going through a fairly Well structured programme one on one mostly in skype do we can share screens and show what we’re talking about. Skype shows who In the team is available and our new starter has our working hours and patterns so they know who to ring at any given time if they need anything.
To be honest we’ve put a lot more thought and effort into how it’s being done remotely than we probably would have done back in the office.

I'm being taken off furlough at the end of the month. Prior to this, I had one week of training with my team, then lockdown happened. I know how to do one thing on a system that is being phased out.

This is going to be fun. Good luck!

I have taken on 5 new staff whilst in lockdown
Each has been assigned a mentor who calls and emails them as needed
We have regular virtual team meetings and a staff what’s app group for quick shout outs for help
All training and induction has been online
We can screen share on teams and also use zoom FaceTime and Skype
It’s worked better than I hoped
Hope yours goes well

I started a new job days before lockdown, it isn't as bad as it seems. I'm not sure how it will be in your place but we are having meetings in Teams which helps.

I’m a homeworker - and started my job as one too. I did have 2.5 days in an office to get started, but mostly to go through set up of the tech and meet my team (all homeworkers!). You will be fine. Im sure they will go through a training plan, actions and a buddy/mentor through your start. If its not forthcoming - ask!!

I too started a new job the day before lockdown. It's been tough, but I've managed.