Increasing visibility: advice for remote workers

Working from home comes with numerous benefits. In addition to cutting down on commute time and saving money, remote working can also lead to an increase in productivity.

 

The ‘new normal’ of hybrid working means that many employees are now spending two or more days in the office. But there are challenges, particularly for those working remote full time.

 

One key challenge for remote workers is being isolated or seeming invisible. But you don’t have to disappear into the digital ether. Here are our top tips for remote workers looking to increase their visibility.

 

 

Communication is key

 

It’s a cliché, but it’s true. Communicating clearly and consistently with your team and your manager will improve your visibility while working from home.

 

Make use of your organisation’s communication channels, such as Teams, Slack, and Zoom for both formal (work-related) and informal (personal) conversations. Both are important to maintain a normal team atmosphere and maintain your own wellbeing.

 

If direct messaging isn’t your thing, why not schedule a regular one-to-one video call or virtual lunch date with a teammate? Staying connected will not only improve collaborative working, it will help you to feel like a seen and heard member of the team.

 

 

Be visible (literally)

 

It’s important as a remote worker for your colleagues to be able to put a face to your name.

 

Luckily, thanks to video conferencing software like Zoom, being visible isn’t limited to being in the office.

 

Turn on your camera in meetings, especially meetings involving your wider team or meetings involving multiple departments, not just your one-to-ones.

 

If you can, use your mic to participate in the discussion so that your co-workers become familiar with hearing your voice and recognising your contribution.

 

Being visible means being recognised as a contributing member of the team. Keeping your camera on will ensure you stay present and accessible within your organisation.

 

 

Shout about it

 

Working from home full time means it can be easy to feel like your hard work goes unnoticed.

 

If your organisation has an intranet, blog, or wiki designed for employees to post on, use it to post about your ongoing projects, achievements, or insights. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help.

 

Alternatively, if social media is more your bag, use LinkedIn to connect with colleagues and grow your professional community.

 

Being seen as an active and vocal employee will increase your visibility within your team and hold you accountable.

 

 

Don’t cut yourself off

 

As a remote worker, it’s important to make sure that you are properly set up for remote working.

 

Ensure you have the right equipment, such as a company laptop, a proper desk/chair, or a microphone/speaker for video conference calls.

 

Ensure you have the right software for your role, too. Explore Charity Digital Exchange for discounts on popular charity products and software, including Office 365, Project Online, Skype for Business, Asana Premium, and more.

 

Don’t forget, if communication is key, don’t let yourself be cut off. Read our top tips to improve your home Wi-Fi.

 

 

Start a social group

 

As a remote worker, you might not be able to join the company netball or five-a-side team, but there are plenty of ways to connect and socialise with your colleagues outside of Slack or LinkedIn.

 

Start a fantasy football team or invite your colleagues to a virtual video game night. Hold remote competitions, like a team fitness challenge, or simply invite a colleague to join you for weekly virtual Zumba.

 

Socialising with colleagues outside of the ‘office’ is hugely important when working remotely. From forming meaningful connections with your colleagues, to keeping you fit and healthy.

 

 

Keep it nine to five

 

Or ten to six, or eight to four, or whatever the normal working hours for your organisation are.

 

It’s not always possible, but it’s important as a remote worker to keep roughly the same working hours as your co-workers as much as possible.

 

Working the same hours will ensure that your communications with them, be it via Zoom or email, happen in real time. If you have a quick question for your colleague, sometimes it’s just easier (and better for you) to pick up the phone.

 

It also means that you will be able to attend meetings as they happen and not have to rely on Zoom recordings, potentially missing out on important information.

 

 

Visit the office (if and when possible)

 

It’s not always possible, but if you have the opportunity to visit the office, take advantage of it.

 

Plan your day accordingly: arrange face-to-face meetings with your manager, co-workers, or clients. Organise a team lunch or social activity (like an after-work dinner). 

 

Alternatively, if visiting the office is not an easy option, lobby for your team to meet you half-way at the next team-building or away day.

 

For more on new ways of working, check out our podcast: