Sure, you get to spend the entire day working in your boxers but being a remote member of a team can present plenty of challenges, especially when it comes to feeling connected to others in your group. But don’t get frustrated – there are several strategies to help you feel like a member of the team. Here are eight ways to bridge the gap between your home office and your company’s cubicles:
1. Keep communication open: Reach out early and often to your team members, either through video calls, email, instant messaging or phone calls. It’s important to provide updates on your work, ask timely and relevant questions and participate in team discussions.
2. Adapt and learn: Adjust to the team’s communication style, preferences and work routines. Use the same tools or platforms they use to ensure you’re included in all discussions and projects.
3. Be seen: Participate in video meetings or conferences whenever possible. It can help you bridge the gap with your in-office peers. Seeing each other’s faces can help build rapport and strengthen connections. Plus, do people really like talking to your profile pic?
4. Get involved: Reach out to team members for collaboration or assistance. You should be contributing ideas, sharing resources and taking on additional responsibilities as often as you would if you were in the office, maybe more.
5. Attend events in person, if possible: Yes, corporate America still holds its fair share of annoying events but if you can, show up to the occasional summer golf outing or the baby shower for your boss. And it’s even better if you can make it to in-person team-building activities. You can also grab your laptop one day and show up at the office. It’s a nice way to show your commitment to being an active team member and lets you make yourself an actual person to your coworkers instead of a face on a screen.
6. Build those relationships: Get to know your team members on a personal level through casual coffee chats or informal meetings. It’s nice to know about others in your group and it helps to let them learn more about you so – again – you’re not just a face on a screen.
7. Call attention to yourself: Don’t be afraid to contribute to the group. Offer your unique perspective and expertise when appropriate to make sure others see you as a valuable member of the team. Also, keep your team updated on your challenges and achievements. Ask for help when you need it and share your successes and milestones with your colleagues.
8. Ask for feedback: Seek feedback from your team members on how you can better integrate with those employees at the workplace – and not just the members in your group, when appropriate. Accept their input and use it to make adjustments to continue your growth as a member of the team.
Tribune News Service
