When working remotely, it can be challenging to stay visible to your team and supervisors. Without the informal moments that usually happen in an office, such as spontaneous conversations or meetings, you must be proactive in building your presence. Here are some effective ways to improve your visibility while working remotely.
1. Communicate proactively and transparently
One of the key steps to improving your visibility is regular and clear communication. Use available communication tools like email, chat (such as Slack or Microsoft Teams), and video conferencing to share your work and progress. Keep your supervisors and colleagues updated on the projects you’re working on, the results you’ve achieved, and any challenges you encounter. This not only makes your work visible but also shows that you can identify and address problems.
2. Be active in meetings
When you participate in video conferences, make sure you’re engaged. Turn your camera on to be physically present and actively participate in discussions. Prepare for meetings by considering your ideas and insights ahead of time, and don’t hesitate to share your opinion or ask questions. If you remain silent, you may quickly be perceived as “invisible,” which can harm your visibility. By engaging, you show that you contribute valuable input, even remotely.
3. Share successes and achievements
When you reach an important milestone or successfully complete a project, share it with your team. You don’t need to come across as boastful, but a brief update sharing your successes helps show the impact you’re having on the team or organization. This can be done in a weekly update, an email to the group, or even in an informal conversation during a team meeting.
4. Stay connected with colleagues
Maintaining informal relationships is just as important as making your work performance visible. Try to stay regularly connected with your colleagues, even outside formal work contexts. This can be through informal virtual coffee breaks, a quick message to check in, or participating in team-building activities. By maintaining personal connections, you remain part of the team and avoid isolation.
5. Add extra value by taking initiative
Remote work provides an opportunity to take initiatives independently. This might mean coming up with new ideas, leading a project, or identifying and solving a problem on your own. By being proactive, you demonstrate leadership and show that you think beyond your daily tasks. This increases your visibility and shows you’re making a valuable contribution even without physical presence.
6. Build your personal brand
Even remotely, it’s important to work on your personal brand within the company. This includes sharing your expertise, for instance by regularly giving presentations, writing articles, or sharing knowledge with colleagues. By positioning yourself as an expert in your field, you increase your visibility and become a go-to person within the company.
In summary
Improving your visibility in a remote work environment requires conscious effort. By communicating regularly and proactively, actively participating in meetings, sharing successes, and maintaining relationships with colleagues, you can strengthen your presence and ensure your performance is noticed, even without being physically present in the office.
