Unwritten rules.
WHAT VARIES BY EMPLOYER
Working hours and flexibility Response expectations outside hours Formality of communication How disagreement is expressed How decisions are made
WHY THAT MATTERS
Violating unstated norms damages standing without anyone explaining why.
WHAT TO DO ON JOINING
Observe before assuming.
WHAT TO ASK
How things are done here.
WHAT TO NOTICE
When people actually work How quickly messages are answered Whether disagreement happens openly How much process exists
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH EARLY
Informality Humour Criticism
WHY
Norms differ, and early misjudgement is remembered.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT COMMUNICATION
Which channel is used for what What warrants interrupting someone What can wait
WHAT REMOTE WORK MAKES HARDER
Reading these norms.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Ask explicitly.
WHAT TO CLARIFY IF REMOTE
Expected hours and overlap Response time expectations How progress is communicated
WHY THAT LAST ONE
Remote work is judged partly on visibility.
WHAT TO DO
Communicate progress proactively.
WHAT TO AVOID
Assuming your previous employer's norms apply.
WHAT TO REVISIT
Your understanding, after a few months.
