Tips for remote workers so they’re not overlooked by the boss

Working from home can leave you detached from your co-workers, including your boss. Workplace expert Amanda Rose shares advice for being ‘seen’ while you’re WFH.

Remote workers often worry they will be overlooked for promotions for office-based colleagues, but this does not have to be the case.

They key is to remain “seen”. Have a routine and structure in communicating with people.

It could be a weekly WIP (work in progress meeting), a one-on-one with your boss, a get-together mingling with colleagues at the same time every week, or updates to key people. If there is an intranet, make sure you’re active.

Show you are around.

Participate in the meetings on Zoom even though you hate them — and ask questions.

Always look like you are interested because, online, people can look uninterested.

Pay attention.

Don’t opt out of Zoom meetings, even if they seem like a waste of time. Picture: iStock

It’s also important to dress the way you want to be addressed.

You don’t have to look as polished on Zoom as in person, but if you look like you don’t care, they will think you don’t care.

You can be smart casual, but don’t look like you just woke up.

Smile and look like you are still at work, with a good background and good lighting.

Put in effort and be the person that will make others think: “You seem to be doing well”.

Send handwritten notes or cards to people in the organisation who you want to build relationships with, such as a mentor or a boss.

It could be a note to say you appreciate being given the opportunity to work on a project or appreciate a colleague who works with you.

There will be a lot to be thankful for.

It could be a card to say “I admire the stuff you are doing, and I’d love to connect with you when I am back in the office”.

It gives a physical touch when many are working from home.

Amanda Rose says handwritten notes provide a personalised touch while remote. Picture: Monique Harmer

Make sure you are connected with everyone on LinkedIn, too — it will give you an upper hand, big time.

And if you can go into the office, take the opportunity of a hybrid work environment as much as you can. It’s good to get out of the home office.

Have coffees with people at work, even just to say hello and have that connection.

Remote work has created a more even playing field for many people. For the quiet ones at the back, this is your time.

Amanda Rose is a business consultant, workplace trainer, LinkedIn influencer and founder of six organisations – and now she is tackling your career questions for SMART Daily every week.

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Originally published as Tips for remote workers so they’re not overlooked by the boss