One of the distinct challenges of remote work is that you're not automatically visible in the workplace. Especially if your company has a hybrid work model, but also if you work for a fully remote company, it's remarkably easy for other people to forget you're part of the company if you don't find a way to make yourself visible.
Visibility in the workplace is crucial if you want to build strong work relationships, grow your career, and feel connected to your company. Increasing your visibility as a remote worker will stop you from feeling isolated and make you more productive, because it helps you stay accountable and focused on your work.
In this article, we'll explore 5 practical ways to increase your visibility while working remotely. Whether you're new to remote work or looking to take your career to the next level, these tips will help you become more visible, engaged, and successful.
1. Turn Your Webcam On
As a remote worker, chances are that you're in a good number of virtual meetings. Many workers make the mistake of leaving their cameras off. Stand out by turning your camera on. When you show your face, it will be much easier for your colleagues to remember you. Even better, it will encourage you to speak up and participate more in the discussion.
That's why it's worth investing in a good webcam and microphone. Your online presence matters. Your colleagues seeing your face will make it feel as if you're in the room with them. It will also give them nonverbal cues like your facial expressions that will help them understand you better.
2. Tell People What You're Working On
Whether you're in a videoconference or a group chat, it's often worth reminding your colleagues what you're working on. This is beneficial for two reasons. First, not everyone always knows exactly what you're working on (remote work or not). A reminder never hurts. Second, it adds context to what you're about to say.
Fully remote companies often have a mechanism to understand what someone is working on. For example, every X-Teamer has a Slack journal where they write down what they've done in any particular workday. A select few people can read that journal. It's a great way to document your work while keeping your colleagues informed.
3. Be Responsive
One of the biggest benefits of remote work is increased flexibility in how you arrange your life. This being said, remote work is still work. You can increase your visibility by being responsive to those who message you. This doesn't mean you have to be available 24/7 and reply immediately—we actually recommend against that—but it's a good idea is to reply within a working day.
Remote work is at its best when it's combined with asynchronous communication, but that doesn't mean communication is slow and ineffective. On the contrary, async remote work gives people time to come back with a proper reply that often resolves issues faster than a continuous back-and-forth. Still, as a remote worker, aim to reply within a day to colleagues who message or email you.
4. Participate in Group Projects & Discussions
You may have noticed a pattern: Much of becoming more visible is about communicating more. That's why it's beneficial to participate in any group projects or chats that you almost certainly see happening in your digital workplace. Especially when you take charge or when you put effort into writing a good response, you will become more visible.
Of course, this doesn't mean you participate for participation's sake. When you participate, do so to contribute. Don't detract from the conversation, but try to be helpful and positive wherever you can. You can participate in many ways: attend virtual events, offer to help, reach out to colleagues who spoke about a particular topic, et cetera.
5. Visit the Office
You may be a remote worker, but the office isn't the enemy. If you happen to live within a reasonable distance of one of your company's offices, it may be worth working from there every once in a while. People will remember you much easier after they've met you in person. Don't be afraid of the rare commute in exchange for building those in-person relationships.
X-Team is a fully remote company, but it understands the importance of in-person meetings. That's why we organize X-Outposts and X-Summits. It's a crucial element of our culture. We want to give X-Teamers the ability to meet each other, so they feel more connected and motivated. It's worth taking the time to go and meet your colleagues in person to increase your profile in the company you work for.
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