Standing out for your hard work and dedication virtually is much more challenging than in person. Finding ways to get noticed while working remotely and be considered for promotions and raises is vital. Whether you’re a newbie, a team leader, or a manager, there’s always room for growth.
A study from Vopta shows that remote workers are 41% less likely to be considered for a promotion. There are a few reasons why remote workers may not get promotions as often as their in-office counterparts, including the following:
- Lack of visibility: When you’re away from the office, it isn’t easy for your manager to see your work and how you contribute to the team. This can make it difficult for them to justify giving you a promotion.
- Lack of networking opportunities: Remote workers miss out on informal networking opportunities in the office, making building relationships with key decision-makers harder.
- Lack of collaboration: It can be challenging to collaborate with colleagues when you’re in a different physical space. This can make working on complex projects harder and lead to missed deadlines.
- Lack of trust: Some managers may not trust remote workers to be as productive as in-office workers. This can lead to them being less likely to give remote workers promotions.
How Can You Get Noticed While Working Remotely?
1. Complete Projects on Time (Or Ahead of Time)
This one might seem obvious, but you’d be shocked how many remote (and in-office workers) don’t complete tasks punctually. If people in the company will recognize your name, you want it to be for positive reasons.
2. Invest in Building Relationships
Even though most, if not all, of your interaction with coworkers and higher-ups is through screens and meetings, it’s essential to nurture these relationships. Offer to help coworkers when they need advice on a project, be the first to volunteer when the boss has a new idea, and keep your managers up-to-date on the projects you’re working on.
If a quarter of the company doesn’t even know your name, you won’t be on anyone’s mind when it comes to promotions and raises. “Out of sight, out of mind” is real, especially when talking about remote work.
3. Send Updates to Provide Visibility Into Your Work
Keeping people updated on your projects will help you get noticed while working remotely. Offer your immediate supervisor a bi-weekly or monthly update. This shows you’re confident in your work, value transparency and feedback, and can stick to a schedule. Be cautious not to overdo it, as that could be more of a distraction than anything else.
4. Ask For Feedback
In or out of the office, an employee who doesn’t care to improve will not likely be considered for a raise or promotion. Always be open to receiving feedback without being defensive. Let your manager or CEO know you’re always open to learning and improving.
5. Offer to Help
Don’t overwork yourself or take on multiple extra projects without pay, but if you can spare an hour to help a manager or CEO with something, do it. Even if it’s not directly work-related, like throwing a company party, offer to help plan, decorate, or clean up.
6. Keep a Brag Book
A brag book is exactly what it sounds like. Toot your own horn. Keep a record of compliments or positive feedback you receive, positive impacts you’ve made on the company, or decisions you’ve made that averted crisis.
7. Invest in Professional Development
When a course or opportunity is offered, take it. Learn something new, meet new people, and get your name out there. If your company doesn’t provide much professional development, take matters into your own hands. Include each class, course, or experience in your brag book.
8. Connect With a Community of Like-Minded People
A supportive community can give you constructive criticism, a confidence boost, and offer and different point of view. You can connect with colleagues from external companies and/or enroll in mentorship programs (in-person or virtually).
Is Professional Growth Always a Promotion?
Some view professional growth as a vertical promotion with more money and responsibilities. However, you may be blinded by money and not realize your advancements. Learning a new skill, being offered a horizontal promotion, and having new experiences are all examples of professional growth.
Be grateful for all of it, and above all, be intentional about your promotion. If you don’t go after it, it’s not likely to magically land in your lap.
