Remote work has been with us for a year and a half now.
Some companies are trying to lure their employees back with perks or disincentives if they choose to remain remote.
Other companies are realizing the benefits to WFH (work from home) or even WFA (work from anywhere).
Some organizations have gone so far as to appoint Directors of Remote Work or reconfiguring the roles of positions like Director of Employee Engagement.
While Directors of Remote and similar initiatives are good, it will take a while for them to figure out what they are doing.
There will be lots of growing pains over the next few years to really flesh out how this new remote-hybrid-in person, and everything in between, model will work.
As this evolution occurs, what can you do to be as successful as possible?
Here are 3 ways you can showcase your productivity and value through your work, while simultaneously, getting to know your colleagues better, even if you never meet them in person.
- Make an effort to show up and be as engaged as possible during ZOOM calls and virtual meetings.
It is tempting to shut down and disengage, but it is easy to see who is truly present and who isn’t.
Try to join meetings early when possible and engage in social chit-chat. Even if you are the type of person who prefers to keep work and personal life separate, this is a good time to bend your own rules and give people the chance to get to know you a little bit better, and vice versa.
- Communicate proactively.
Figure out what kind of communication your workplace prioritizes and make sure you are using that. There is nothing worse than being the last person to know something.
If you are the type of person who likes to focus on a project without interruptions, tell your coworkers that.
It may take a little getting used to, but establishing a routine and expectations for how and when communication occurs is important.
It helps minimize interruptions and people get to know you better and trust your work process.
- Determine when and how you should communicate progress.
If your supervisor doesn’t have regular check-ins with you, take the initiative to get them up to speed.
You probably don’t need to update your manager every day. But do it frequently enough to give them necessary information and you the opportunity to ask for assistance.
If you elect to send an email update, include these elements:
Tell your supervisor what you and your team have accomplished since the last update.
Mention any potential challenges that could derail or alter the project. If you have ideas for how you can handle these challenges, explain them.
Tell the boss what you need help with or an answer to a question or advice.
If you do need to consult with your supervisor, provide a deadline for when you need that to happen.
If you are in a role where you are largely, or 100% remote, following these tips will show how you are being productive and accomplishing tasks.
It will help you get to know your colleagues a little better.
And hopefully, it will make you feel a more significant part of the team and be less inclined to leave the organization due to feeling disconnected and unappreciated.
