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Moving to a new team is always a challenge, especially when you work remotely. Without daily office meetings and morning coffee chats, the adaptation process can seem much more difficult. But with the right consistent approach, you can build trusting relationships even online — and feel like part of the team from the first weeks.

We’ve put together some practical tips to help you navigate the transition without stress and quickly find a common language with other team members.

Preparing for the job.

Before you start, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the company’s mission, values, and culture. This will help you understand the expectations and adapt your behavior accordingly.​

• Study the company’s website, blogs, social media, and read reviews about the company.
• Discuss with your manager and team the expectations for your role, tasks, and deadlines. A clear understanding of your responsibilities will help avoid misunderstandings.
• Find out in advance who your mentor or supervisor will be.
• Make sure you have access to all the necessary tools and platforms used by the company. Set up your workplace in a way that avoids technical problems on the first day.​

Establishing communication.

• Find out what tools the team uses to communicate (e.g. Slack, Microsoft Teams) and which channels are intended for different types of messages.​
• Prepare a short introduction about yourself or a welcome letter (for the team or a shared chat).
• After the formal introduction in the chat, initiate individual meetings (15-minute get-to-know-you conversations).
• Video meetings help to better understand nonverbal signals and help build trust. Try to use video communication for important discussions and introductions.
• Ask various questions to team members: “What is your role in the team?” or “What should I know as a newcomer?” Usually, colleagues are happy to participate in the adaptation of newcomers, especially in a more informal form of communication.

Workflow organization.

• Set up and stick to your working hours. This will help you maintain a work-life balance and avoid premature overload and burnout.
• Since remote work often involves different time zones, use asynchronous communication methods such as detailed emails or messages to ensure effective communication without having to be present at the same time. ​Respect your colleagues and their time.
• Be clear, concise, and proactive in your communication. Follow online etiquette. If you can’t respond to someone right away, at least acknowledge that you received their message and let them know when you’ll be able to respond.
• Keep notes, online documents, or use shared team applications where you can update current statuses and notes about completed tasks, decisions, and discussions in a timely manner. This will help you and your team track current progress and avoid unnecessary questions. ​
• Offer help with projects, even if you’re new. If you see someone not reaching out, respect that and reach out to another colleague.
• Regularly seek feedback from your manager and project colleagues. This will allow you to adjust your work and demonstrate your interest in ongoing professional development.
• Use available resources to improve your skills and learn about new tools or methodologies used by the company.

Participation in the internal life of the company.

• Use corporate messengers not only for work issues. Studies show that joining communities of interests reduces the feeling of isolation in remote work.
• Join informal channels – with discussions of interesting films, current memes and exciting trips. Transfer communication to the plane of social networks – you will have more points of contact with team members.
• Ask a variety of questions, offer and ask for feedback on various topics – this demonstrates your comprehensive interests and openness. Do not be afraid to be proactive – this helps break the ice.
• Join virtual coffee breaks and other informal or team-building online events organized by the company. This helps strengthen team spirit and reduces feelings of isolation.​
• Supporting charitable initiatives and social projects of your company is a great way to join a community of caring colleagues, rally around a common cause, and do truly good and important things together.

Moving to a new team is always a challenge, and the lack of physical presence among colleagues can complicate the integration process and create additional stress for the newcomer. However, the right approach and the use of effective strategies can make this transition smooth and comfortable.

Adapting to a new team is a process in which activity, openness, mutual respect and a healthy work-life balance play a key role. Remote work gives a certain freedom, and it is you who shape the quality of your relationships with colleagues. Start with small steps, be attentive and polite to others – and soon the new team will become a real support for you.