A growing number of people are working from home. As the demand for more opportunities and versatility while working increases, so will the culture of working from home.
The benefits of working from home are very well-documented. For starters, it saves people from having to make daily and tedious commutes. Additional benefits include having a somewhat flexible schedule, being able to travel, and more.
However, despite the benefits of working from home, there are still certain details to be aware of. One of the most important details of all includes increasing your visibility at work. You may not physically be in the office; however, this does not mean you have to be invisible altogether.
Increasing Your Visibility at Work While Working from Home
As you embark on working from home, ‘out of sight, out of mind’ doesn’t have to become your reality. While you are physically out of the office, the presence of your work and your contributions to the company do not – and should not – have to be forgotten.
By following the six strategies below, you can increase your visibility at work even when you are working remotely.
Take Advantage of Technology
In an interesting twist, the same technology that lets you work from home can also be used to increase your visibility at work. These days, apps like Slack, Trello, etc., are very common. A growing number of companies are furthermore using video chat services like Zoom to remain connected.
As you are working from home, don’t forget to take advantage of these tools. Join the work conference calls; contribute to the Slack conversations. Making sure you remain available and accessible while working from home is the best way to boost your visibility.
Technology is one the best tools we have to remain visible and connected, even when we’re physically miles away.
Live a Balanced Lifestyle
Believe it or not, the quality of your lifestyle will bleed into your work, one way or another. This is especially the case when you are working from home, rather than going into a designated office for your job each day.
It is for this reason that living a balanced lifestyle remains so deeply paramount. Having other areas of your life together allows you to put your best foot forward when it comes to working remotely. A balanced lifestyle also lets you remain open to unique opportunities that can present themselves to you in your line of work.
The quality of your lifestyle has the power to increase your visibility as you work from home… or make things more stressful and chaotic. Choosing the former over the latter means taking care of yourself in order to be the best version of yourself throughout your career.
Help Newer Coworkers
If you have coworkers who are newer to the team, lending a helping hand can make a significant impact. By being there to mentor or give guidance to newer coworkers still learning the ropes, your visibility at work can increase exponentially.
Helping newer coworkers can be as simple as scheduling a private video chat to review project details; it can also entail communicating with them in Slack channels to answer any questions they may have regarding your company’s attendance point system, human resources policies or anything work related. Helping newer coworkers can only ensure the company thrives.
Furthermore, it paints you in a positive light to your other coworkers and your boss; this is true even if they don’t explicitly say anything right away.
Chime in During Video Conference Calls
Amid the rise of remote work, many companies are holding regular video conference calls. In the spirit of increasing your visibility at work, don’t be afraid to chime in.
It’s not always uncommon for workers to attend video conference calls and say next to nothing. However, by asking questions, making suggestions, and sharing your feedback, you are ensuring your visibility. Eager participation during conference calls also sends a positive message about your commitment to the company, even as you work from home.
Be Present on Social Media
For better or for worse, social media tends to be a huge part of our lives, even in the workplace. It is for this reason that being present on social media is so critical.
If you and your coworkers are connected on social media, having an appropriate presence on these platforms is often advisable. Sharing videos, feedback, and thoughts on your industry can positively contribute to overall morale and the flow of ideas.
Having an appropriate presence on social media does the job of closing possible distance between you and your colleagues, even when your job is remote. Another perk of your presence on social media is the ability to learn from your coworkers who may also have relevant things to share regarding your industry.
Seek Out a Mentor in the Workplace
When looking to heighten visibility in the workplace while working from home, few people consider seeking a mentor. However, building a mentor-mentee relationship with someone in the workplace can matter. It can also make as much of a difference as you helping out newer coworkers.
A mentor in the workplace can hop on video calls with you to discuss your professional goals and how you see yourself growing in the company. Likewise, a mentor also has the ability to give you strategic advice that can make you even better at your job.
Just as you helping out others who need it can boost your visibility, seeking feedback and guidance from your more experienced counterparts can also make you more visible amid working from home. A mentor-mentee relationship benefits both parties and the company you each work for.
Conclusion
As you look to improve your career and expand your opportunities, making yourself more visible is a sensible goal. However, it is always important to know that working from home does not have to hold you back. By following the six steps listed above, you can be as visible while working from home as you would be if you were physically in the office, if not more so.
Before departing, remember that increasing your visibility at work is not an overnight endeavour. It requires time and consistency. It also entails demonstrating openness to opportunities as they present themselves.
If you are committed to staying the course, putting in the work, and making the right moves, you have what it takes to increase your visibility at work while you work from home.
Author: Raya Khashab – CEO and co-founder of ezClocker.
Photo credit: Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash
