How to Stay Visible in a WFH Scenario

When your whole team is working remotely, the playing field is level. But in a hybrid situation — where some people are at home and some in the office — things get off-kilter. Those at home may become less visible and could be passed over for opportunity. 

So how to stay visible when your face is on a screen in a room full of actual bodies?

Harvard Business Review suggests remote workers “over-index on creating perceptions of rock-solid reliability.” In other words, stand out on the work you do, whether that’s turn-around time, thoroughness or taking the initiative.

That said, expecting remote workers to bend over backwards to prove they’re being productive is what got us to this current stage of heightened burnout. Therefore, another method to consider is making yourself physically visible.

This might mean showing up in the office occasionally to meet new team members and interact with colleagues in person, especially direct reports and your boss. In video meetings, make sure your face is visible, well-lit and that you’re actively participating in calls. And, if a proposed meeting can be conducted via audio only or with video, opt for video more often.

Whether you became a remote worker due to pandemic conditions or have long been in a work-from-home scenario, navigating this paradigm of hybrid work takes effort. There are different ways to be “visible” so make sure that your communication and presence is both seen and heard.