Research shows that remote workers do suffer the consequences of ‘out of sight, out of mind’. University of California researchers titled a recent article ‘Get noticed and die trying’ for good reason. Interviews with 60 remote workers plus their managers and peers found that these workers are able to adapt to the pressures of remote, virtual work, but that their coping mechanisms come with consequences. Obsessively responding to every email as quickly as possible and volunteering for meetings outside normal working hours are ways they ‘prove’ their hard work and commitment.

Such quantitative ‘competitive signalling’ usually results in burnout. Similarly, a pre-pandemic study at Stanford University shows that remote workers are 13% more productive but that their promotion rate is about 50% less than on-site peers. 

Steps to create the right impression

The pandemic brought warp speed changes for us personally as well as geopolitically, thereby creating almost too much complexity for us to deal with. As a result, we all need to make sure that we stay strong and sane. The following suggestions are designed for when you’re at your ‘best’ – if you aren’t at the moment, then take the time to reboot first.

1. Adjust your mindset

Yes, you are working from home, but in reality you are a remote team member. The system needs to adjust for you, and you may need to set this change in motion. Start by focusing on the quality of your engagements with co-workers and managers, and don’t use quantity as a measurable.

2. Have a plan of action

Showing up for work early, leaving late and being glued to your desk used to be built-in cues for managers. Now the onus has shifted to you to prove your value and to make sure you’re engaging in projects strategically.

When working from home, you will have to be more deliberate if you want to be recognised and remain visible. Explicitly engineer moments with the right people when you are in the office or find a way to make a connection during an online meeting. Always have your camera on. If your colleagues can see you, they will perceive you as present and engaged.

3. Ask how best you can serve your team

Some things apply equally whether you’re working onsite or from home. Showing support for your colleagues always gets you noticed, and taking ownership shows that you are thinking in terms of the company’s needs and not just your job description. Use the following tips to achieve results:

• When you have capacity, volunteer for tasks and make sure that you are recognised for completing them. This shows that you are able to step outside of your comfort zone and stretch yourself.
• When you have reached a goal, let people know in an objective manner. This shows dependability and develops your track record. Use different platforms to do this – forward emails of praise or share achievements in meetings. Success is contagious.
• Offer new ideas to make or save money. Making an effort in your own areas of priority is essential, but awareness of the long-term growth of the company shows big-picture thinking.
• Help colleagues with work. This sends the message that you care about your peers. Stepping outside of your department gets you to apply your skills to different situations, shows what you can offer and allows you to see your company’s mission from a different perspective.
• Create opportunities for social engagement with team members – initiating ways to connect outside work develops relationships.

4. Speak up

If you are keen on a promotion, let your manager know – nothing ventured, nothing gained.

It’s essential that we change the way we work, because remote work in one form or another is here to stay. Three key takeaways are:

• Focus on the quality (not quantity) of engagements to manage your stress levels and prevent burnout.
• Show commitment without placing maximum pressure on yourself to show up like you don’t need to sleep.

If you are making an impact, make sure to get the recognition you deserve.

For more advice on mental wellbeing and stress management, visit Beyond Work.