To be struggling with WFH in a new job?

[Tadpool]

To start, I know I am extremely fortunate to both have secured a job and be able to work from home, I am thankful for this.

However I am finding it really hard. The boss dropped my laptop off the day before I started 6 weeks ago, and since then I haven't seen anyone face to face in the team since then. They are being responsible I guess, and as they don't want to make the office 'covid secure' no one is allowed in, but all can work from home. As I haven't met anyone, had a talk through of the systems, or really know anything about the job it's really challenging and I am struggling. No one wants to do a video call to show me anything because they don't feel comfortable, the training is pretty outdated and not really relevent to the systems currently in use, and although I keep getting tasks thrown at me there is no background to them, no way to find that background as I only have emails that have been forwarded and no hard copies, and I have no idea who to contact for anything.

I have tried to be pro active and ask for help and support, but nothing has really helped. I have been out of the workplace for 2 years which doesn't help, but I dread work. I feel bad that I'm not getting much done, but when I am honest and say I can't do anything and I want something to do they just laugh and say it's alright for some.

Anyone else been in a similar position? Any ideas how to make it work? I need this job, but I am finding it hard and know that doing no work is going to be an issue, even though I've been honest, asked for help and tried to find the info out myself.

I feel for you! I’ve started remotely too but much more support than that.

Pick one task, pick up the phone and ask a random person who they would talk to about it. Call random person and ask them about it or who to speak to. Etc. About 2pm email your boss saying I’m trying to do x, I’ve spoken to these people but still haven’t got this and this. Would you know who understands this task to fill in these gaps? And send what you have eod for a trail th

Oops posted early! A trail that you’re doign stuff and keeping you front of mind with your line manager that you need some more guidance. Clock off on time and enjoy your evening, and the next day follow up on that one and pick another, same process.

Thank you @timeisnotaline. I have been following up enquiries with emails and have uploaded something to keep my manager up to date with what I've been attempting to do, hah. I really need this job but I figure I might need some sort of record of trying to find stuff out etc in lieu of actual work! Glad you have had more support, and hope it's going okay.

No one wants to do a video call to show me anything because they don't feel comfortable

This bit stood out to me. Does that include your boss? Why do they feel uncomfortable? This seems really unacceptable to me.

No idea @Hardbackwriter, they are happy to speak on the phone, but that doesn't really help with seeing how some of the systems work, it's much easier to see it and we can't screen share. I asked and they said they won't force anyone onto cam if they don't want.

Could they not cover the camera with a bit of black tape and screen share? What video package are they using because eg on Google chars you can turn your camera off before you make the call and if they make the video call the issue is sorted.

Gosh, that sounds hard.

I started a new job in lockdown but I did at least have a couple of zoom calls for training/ introductions.

I had to phone colleagues on some bits on.

On the plus side when you have to teach yourself, you do learn very quickly!!

Congrats on the new job op

You're not allowed to screen share? Wtaf?