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COVID impacted the workforce in many ways, including the emergence of remote and hybrid workforces. These workplace setups existed before 2020, but they are much more prevalent today. Navigating this setup can be challenging if you’ve never had to before. If you’re a recent grad who has now found yourself in a remote or hybrid environment, here are some tips for maximizing your experience.
Communication and Visibility
If you are in a fully remote environment, you aren’t physically seen on a day-to-day basis. The only interactions you have with managers and colleagues are emails, Slack or Teams messages, and meetings. Increasing the number of emails and messages you send will help you avoid being “out of sight, out of mind.” That said, find a balance between sending meaningless messages that just waste time and sending messages that give value in some way. For example, if you haven’t spoken to your boss in a day or two, send them a quick update about the project you are working on. They may not have asked for an update, but by providing one you are showing that you’re making progress, and you’re remaining visible. This still applies if you are in a hybrid environment. You want to avoid only communicating on in-office days; keep communication open even when you aren’t in the office.
When it comes to meetings, you also want to, literally, be visible. Make sure your camera is on in all meetings. This helps your team put a face to your name, and it’s easier to communicate to a real person versus a black screen. Having your camera on makes you appear more engaged and ensures you won’t fade into the background.
Virtual Coffee Chats
Remote workforces can’t meet up at the coffee machine or sit down for lunch together. But you can schedule virtual coffee chats. Make a monthly or quarterly goal to reach out to a team member and schedule a short meeting. When you contact them, mention that you’d like to learn more about them since you work virtually. Make the meeting low-stakes–don’t try to interview them. Try to genuinely connect by discussing their current projects, hobbies outside of work, or anything you may have in common. Making this acquaintance will make any future communication with them feel easier since you know who they are a bit more.
Maximize In-Office Days
For hybrid workers, make the most of your in-office days. Avoid getting to the office and keeping to yourself all day. Reserve these days for tasks that require more collaboration, and leave clerical duties for work-from-home days. Even if your specific task doesn’t call for collaboration, check in with your teammates and ask how their projects are going. Don’t think of this as networking, but just getting to know your team a bit better. You can also coordinate your in-office days with your teammates to maximize these opportunities.
Remote and hybrid work are different from in-office only work and require a bit more effort. Use these tips to ensure you are getting the most out of your work and making the best impression possible.
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