How to Stay Visible in a Remote or Hybrid Work Environment
“Never do the work carelessly because you wish to hide your gifts. Remember, that work is his. You are his co-worker. Therefore, he depends on you for that special work. Do the work with him, and the work will be done for him. The talents God has given you are not yours—they have been given to you for your use, for the glory of God. There can be no half-measures in the work” (St. Teresa of Kolkata).
According to a 2023 Pew Research Center Survey, roughly 35% of Americans with jobs that can be done remotely are working from home full time, and 41% are working a hybrid schedule (in the office some days and at home other days). Love them or hate them, remote and hybrid work are probably here to stay. So, how do you make sure you are visible when you are not going into an office?
The ability to work remotely demonstrates trust and provides autonomy. It can create an environment where you can focus on tasks and meet deadlines without in-person distractions and interruptions. You can build workplace relationships around the quality of your work and not on personality type. And, you can create a work/life balance that fits with your needs.
Some of the very reasons that make remote and hybrid work advantageous, however, can also make it challenging to be visible. In-person office interactions help us form work culture and relationships. Making acquaintances, building work friendships, and similar experiences are sometimes difficult to replicate in a remote or hybrid setting. What’s more, turning off “work brain” and shifting to home life is not always easy.
I work on a college campus on a hybrid schedule: three days on campus and two days off. My on-campus days are often more hectic, with events; appointments; and students, staff, and faculty dropping by. My remote days are usually quieter, making it easier to focus and work through my to-do list. There is a different vibe between the in-person and remote days and a different flow to the workday, with different co-worker and student interactions.
What are some ways we can maintain the advantages of remote and hybrid work while staying visible and creating relationships with others? Here are four keys:
1. Consistency
While in-person colleagues usually meet you first and then experience your work, remote co-workers are more likely to experience your work before—or perhaps briefly while—meeting with you. Complete tasks, meet deadlines, and play to your strengths. Let your work ethic be your standout quality.
2. Participation
Join in on the office chat. Talk with people before the meeting begins. Organize a morning virtual coffee break or afternoon conversation. It’s possible to build relationships with co-workers in these small ways.
3. Questions
Ask questions. Seek clarification. Understand what is being asked and expected of you. Then, once you have built your reputation, you can reference your work ethic and past work to request new responsibilities.
4. Authenticity
Be genuine. We can all fall into the trap of wanting so much to make a good impression that we try to conform our personality to what we think our work environment expects. Sometimes, we might try to be visible by fighting who we are.
I have fought with thinking I have to change my personality from being quiet and soft-spoken to being loud and talkative. The inward fighting has sometimes made my hybrid work schedule more difficult.
Recently, though, I realized that I can be the quiet and soft-spoken Alexandra who is also detail-oriented, organized, patient, and willing to listen. These characteristics make me visible at work both within my team and across departments. By being myself and using my strengths, I built a reputation of trustworthiness, responsiveness, and competence with my co-workers and students. It did not happen overnight; it was a slow and steady process of consistently showing up and following through that built this reputation.
Being visible in a remote or hybrid work environment takes time. It means being authentic to your personality and letting your work speak for yourself. Little things, like reaching out to people in an online chat, asking questions, and learning more about the people you work with, go a long way.
Whatever your work environment is, you can use your gifts to glorify the Lord. We do not have to be afraid of hiding our personality but, rather, can let God use it to proclaim His goodness, mercy, and love. God called us to this work—whether it’s a temporary job or a more permanent one that’s aligned with our career goals—for a purpose. All He asks is that we let Him work through us.
Alexandra (Alex) Harrel resides in Irving, Texas. She is a new student affairs professional within the world of higher education. In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time outdoors. Her favorite prayer is Hail, Holy Queen. You can follow her on Instagram at @2012alexandra.