Remote work can be a dream scenario for some. In fact, it is often expressed that those who desire to work solo, in quiet environments, and on their own schedule are the most successful remote employees. Recently, we’ve discussed tips to stay productive at work. However, working remotely serves up its own unique set of challenges. One of which involves making connections with coworkers.
It is not mandatory that you become friends with your fellow employees to succeed, but you should still form connections with your peers and superiors to aid in growing your career. When you’re not in the office, it can sometimes be easy to be overlooked or quite frankly, forgotten. How do you still engage with your coworkers even though you may not be in the same space?
Utilize All Communication Platforms
The best way to build connections with your team is through communication. Utilizing any and all communication channels provided by your workplace is the easiest way to remain connected. Even from afar, remote employees can be kept up-to-date and receive information in real time. Utilizing instant messaging apps, video conferencing and phone conferencing capabilities are just a few examples of the channels that keep remote works integrated with the in house team. For the employers that might be reading, consider integrating a unified communications service into your arsenal of tools for your employees. This will unite all of your platforms in one accessible place; meaning employees will be better equipped to better keep track of all incoming and outbound messages.
Engage in Verbal Communication
Working remote doesn’t mean that your coworkers should never see or hear from you verbally. Take the initiative to go one step further than email or instant message when communicating. Whether it’s once a day or once a week, allowing your coworkers to communicate with more than just the written word can really reinforce your presence in your job and your work. So, take advantage of every opportunity to form even deeper and more personal connections through verbal communication. Good verbal communication is said to increase the ability to share ideas, suggestions, and opinions with each other. Therefore, the more often remote workers engage in verbal communication, the more comfortable they will become with their in-house team. The more your superiors and teammates are able to interact with you, the less it will matter that you are not in the office.
Initiate The Conversation
Much to the advice above, putting communication channels to good use will make all the difference. Don’t wait for team members to contact you, take the initiative and begin conversations on your own. Whether it’s a team member you work closely with, or your boss, making consistent connections will help establish familiarity and a new level of comfort. Now, don’t go overboard. You want to show that you’re engaged and not distracted. Not being in the office and seeing body language can make social cues harder to pick up on. Try and become familiar with how your coworkers use their time and pay attention to as much of their work routine as you can. Knowing when someone typically comes online and what time of day they engage the most will help you gauge whether or not it is a good time to reach out.
Stick to a Schedule
Developing a routine can improve your work and engagement in more ways than one. Often times, remote employees have the ability to work hours outside of the standard 9-5. While some modification won’t hurt, try to stay working within the standard work hours of your place of employment. This will ensure that you are accessible to your peers and vice versa. Additionally, setting a standard workday for yourself can often aid in holding yourself accountable for the time you are expected to work, as well as knowing when to stop so you don’t experience burn out. Know when you are most productive and save your most consuming tasks for that time of day. When you have a steady workflow that integrates nicely with your team, you are more likely to be able to communicate more clearly.
About the Author
Meryl Colls is a communication aficionado who is always eager to share how to improve the way in which we transfer messages. No matter the industry, communication is an integral part of achieving our goals. Meryl is dedicated to sharing best practices to aid in the effort of becoming more effective communicators.
