In Issue 1, 2022, a reader asked: "I’ve just started my career. How can I stay connected to colleagues and visible to my superiors while continuing to work remotely?"
"Being visible and staying connected with your organisation whilst working remotely is really important and there is no single answer to this challenge. It is also key to remember that this serves a two-way purpose. Firstly, you better understand the latest developments within your organisation and, secondly, you continue to remind them of your development, professional and career aspirations. From my career journey I have learnt that it is good to utilise a range of techniques to achieve this successfully. This includes attending online lunch-and-learn sessions, participating in team briefings, getting yourself a mentor (or two), establishing a continuous professional development/career plan and sharing it with key personnel, attending team socials when possible, as well as arranging regular one-to-one check-in calls with particular colleagues/supervisors. Continuing to deliver great work, being self-motivated and being proactive are also important whilst working remotely."
Matt Young
"It all depends what your role is, and how collaborative it is. Many organisations have embraced internal social media tools such as Yammer and have their own forums where you can connect and be visible to your peers at least. I would suggest that you join various interest groups in your organisation, as, even remotely, these will have a spread of peers and superiors whom you can engage with and exchange ideas with. For example, an initiative running where I work is looking at streamlining various processes, led by senior management, and encourages everyone to input to the discussions online. Just be sure that you continue to deliver to your objectives, and not spend all your time in the forums!"
Neil Henderson
"Incorporate some short catch-up chats into your diary with individuals and teams from across the organisation, perhaps on a topic of interest or just to touch base."
Nicola Johnson
"Make emails personal instead of just focusing on the topic. For instance start with “Did you have a good Christmas, were you at home or away with family?” (NB: open question) before “I have had a look at the calculations supporting...”. Also, set up ‘virtual coffee breaks’ or ‘virtual water-cooler breaks’ at all levels within the company, whereby you take 10 minutes out once a fortnight (or whenever) to contact colleagues to talk about anything except work. Make pairings random and include as many people as possible. Finally, organise social events in the evenings, such as skittles or meeting for a drink or a trip to the cinema."
Andy Brown
"Working remotely is not ideal for building relationships within teams. However, it is possible, and I would suggest encouraging ‘cameras on’ when using Zoom, MS Teams, Skype, etc. I have worked with organisations where the norm is ‘cameras off’ and just sharing voice, and PowerPoints etc via the conferencing tool, which I have found very significantly detracts from any feeling of having got to know people in the meeting who I hadn’t ever met face to face. With cameras on so you can see people, it is easier to build a rapport."
Keith Thomas
"By asking questions. Also show interest in the work of others and make sure you listen to them."
Emma D
"Working remotely and participating in virtual meetings is not easy. It is very easy for situations to get blown out of all proportion because you lack the ‘meet at the coffee machine’ moments. Always be well prepared for virtual meetings and make sure that you understand what you are being asked to do before the meeting ends. Then do it and if real problems arise that prevent you doing what you have been told to do, use emails (or internal equivalent) to highlight them rather than waiting for the next virtual meeting."
Richard Bossom
"Don’t be afraid to ask anything, but think about how you ask. So, you’ve been given a problem to solve or a project to start – work out what you think is the best strategy, then run it past colleagues or superiors. They will be happy to chip in and will see that you are starting to think for yourself. They will also point out any company procedures or norms you may have missed as a new starter."
Charles Saunders
"It is very important indeed to maintain that connection and visibility. A methodology that I follow is to keep a constant record of what needs to be discussed with whom and every day make a phone or video call to get and give updates. Whatever you do, don’t rely solely on emails – they are great for communicating large amounts of data but as a means for keeping contact they are really poor."
Michael Reid
"I suggest using business-related social media platforms. I especially recommend using any that reside within the organisation that employs you. These can be a great way to ask questions and gain insight from those around you if used well."
Kevin Rayment
"Take time to call/video chat with people rather than conducting all communication via text media (email, instant messenger, letters, etc). You can build more of a rapport through talking. Most issues to be dealt with in engineering and business are around the human interface."
Chris Leach
"This is very difficult, I think. Join in all Teams workshops, volunteer to do special projects and perhaps arrange non-work activities such as online quiz evenings for all. IMechE events are also a valuable means of networking both within and external to your organisation."
Russell Birnie
"Set up regular one-to-one or small group meetings, with defined agendas and ‘touch points’. I implemented a 30-minute ‘coffee morning’ meeting that was just a social meeting to discuss anything but work, as a way to keep up a more social interaction with colleagues."
Stuart Paterson
"I have found that having a daily ‘stand-up’ meeting is highly valuable. Main themes are ‘what did we achieve yesterday?’, ‘what are we trying to achieve today?’ and ‘where do we need support?’. If that is already in place then make sure you report your progress and look for ways to support your peers and superiors. If such a meeting is not in place, suggest it should be!"
Anonymous
"Set up project wide electronic communications, including all members of your team, colleagues and management. This will optimize your profile and connections in your career."
Richard Young
"Keep connected on social media channels such as LinkedIn, get yourself a senior manager as a mentor in the organisation and communicate on a regular basis, and broaden your horizons by remotely supporting STEM-type activities."
Neil G Chattle
"Use the tools available to you to your best advantage. Chat with colleagues through Teams etc. Let your manager know if you are having problems. They are not just there to boss you around, they are also there to help."
Fred Bunce
"Make sure that you attend all remote meetings and don’t be afraid to speak up and ask sensible questions when seen to be applicable – this will get you noticed. Also ask your manager for a 'buddy'."
Doronwy Thomas
Want the best engineering stories delivered straight to your inbox? The Professional Engineering newsletter gives you vital updates on the most cutting-edge engineering and exciting new job opportunities. To sign up, click here.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.