As we’ve transitioned our lives to be sheltered-in-place until further notice, starting a new job for most companies and employees is a bit of an unexplored frontier. Below are some tips to set yourself up for success if you are starting a new job remotely.

Understand and Set Expectations and Goals

It is important for the employee and employer to realize there will be a slightly larger learning curve than a normal in-office onboarding process. Make sure to ask every question you have, jotting down any that pop into your head so you can ask them during check-ins or whenever you get a chance. As we know, the first few weeks of starting a job are a lot of learning and reading through documents and past work examples.

Tackle each document or topic with a break in between each to digest the information, or time to watch a tutorial on the product. Depending on your learning style, you may also want to practice the skill yourself to fully grasp the concept.

Have your manager map out what the first 30, 60, and 90 days should look like and schedule a reoccurring meeting to check in on how you are progressing against those goals. You can also work together to create a weekly to-do list until you get into the groove.

Learn How Your team Communicates

Fortunately, we have many tools available to communicate when teams can’t be in one space together. There is the traditional email or phone call, but many organizations have also moved to video conferencing tools like Zoom or Slack and Microsoft teams to chat with each other. Ask team members you’ll be connecting with daily what their favorite way of communicating is and let them know what tools you prefer, for the fastest response.

Schedule a quick video call with your team members to get to know them and introduce yourself. This helps establish a more personal connection since you can’t meet them in person right now.

Give Yourself Breaks

Without being in an office, you may find yourself standing up less. Especially since you can’t take cues from someone else to take a break. Schedule some time to make lunch and eat away from your computer or take a coffee break. If your workday or the weather allows, take a quick walk outside, or walk around during phone call meetings.

Maybe suggest to your company scheduling a companywide “meeting” to block off scheduling any internal calls. This can give parents time for some childcare, preparing meals, or to get some outdoor activity in during less crowded times.

Taking breaks will give your brain some time to recharge from looking at a computer screen all day and will help give you a second boost of productivity.

Create Transitions In and Out of Work

You most likely had a set routine to head to and from work before we all sheltered-in-place, like maybe listening to a podcast on the train, or a curated playlist you’d listen to while driving to work, or maybe even a morning walk to public transportation.

Whatever your typical morning was, it’s ingrained in you to signal you’re about to start your workday. Try to keep some semblance of that routine while you’re at home, with the exception of driving or getting on public transportation.

Wake up and listen to the podcast or playlist before turning your computer on or take a quick walk even if it isn’t to public transportation. This will help you get into the workday mindset.

The same goes for the end of your day. Your commute home was a way to wind down from the workday and mentally tell yourself it’s time to transition to your nighttime routine.

Remember that a lot of people, including everyone in your company, will be figuring out what habits and routines work best for them. Take this as an opportunity to connect with teammates or friends and family members in similar positions on what is working well for them to help you be as successful as possible.