5 ways to remotely build relationships with a new team
Top tips from a Civil Service Fast Streamer
Anyone who has started a new job understands the value of building relationships with colleagues and stakeholders early on. But building networks whilst working remotely comes with a range of challenges that are only exacerbated when you’re new to the organisation.
Many recent graduates will have recently started new roles with organisations during the recent lockdown — take Ellie for example, who has just begun her second year on the Civil Service Fast Stream with the Government Statistical Service.
Ellie has been working from home since March, and recently started a new (remote) role with the Office for National Statistics, so she’s had plenty of experience of working out the dos and don’ts of building solid relationships and meeting new colleagues remotely.
So we caught up with Ellie, where she shared her top 5 tips for recent graduates to successfully build networks and working relationships with your new colleagues, remotely.
Turn on your video for online meetings/calls
It can be too easy to fall into the trap of keeping your video turned off. But whether you’re feeling uneasy or having a bad hair day — make the effort to turn on your video, because it provides you with the opportunity to put faces to names and build personal connections.
You may find that others in your team may not use their video, but often if you take the lead on switching your camera on, others will follow!
Ask to see an organisational chart
You will meet a lot of new people when you start a new job, and it can be really difficult to remember everyone’s role and where they sit in the organisation — especially if you aren’t physically in the office with them. Most organisations will have a chart which will breakdown the structure of the organisation or team — a really useful reference tool when you can’t remember who’s who.
Get to know your colleagues as people, not robots
This can be more challenging if you’re not sat at your desk next to your colleagues, so you must make the effort to join in with any virtual social events that are organised — whether its a regular coffee morning, a Friday afternoon quiz or something more elaborate. Get to know their likes, dislikes, hobbies etc — knowing someone on a personal level make it so much easier to work with them.
No social events organised? Take the initiative to set an event up yourself — your colleagues will probably thank you for it!
Join a staff network
This is such a great opportunity to meet people who might not interact with you on a day-to-day basis. Have a look at what networks are out there in your organisation and see if there are any that spark your interest. For example, the Fast Stream has a range of networks, including a BAME network, an LGBT+ network, a carers network and so many more!
Don’t be afraid to reach out
Send an email or instant message to your colleagues and set up a quick introductory call. This is a great way to start building strong working relationships and will enable you and your colleagues to find out more about each other.
Interested in the Civil Service Fast Stream? Visit www.faststream.gov.uk to find out more.
The Civil Service has two internship programmes for undergraduates with diverse backgrounds: The Early Diversity Internship Programme (EDIP) for students in their first year at university and the Summer Diversity Internship Programme (SDIP) for students in their final two years at university.
The Government Statistical Service (GSS) is also hosting a virtual event for University of Birmingham students and graduates about virtual networks and inductions on the 5th November 2020 — book now.
