Remote & Ready: Tips for Being the Only Remote Worker on Your Team

Over the past several years, our professional lives have undergone significant transformations, particularly because many of us now work remotely. This shift has brought about new challenges and opportunities, reshaping the way we handle our professional responsibilities and collaborate with colleagues.  

Working remotely can sometimes lead to feelings of disconnection from your team, especially if you are the only remote member. I have experienced this myself, as I have been the sole remote worker on my team. It’s natural to wish you could join company events and team outings and feel more connected to the team. However, there are many simple ways to stay connected and actively engaged with your team members. By implementing these strategies, you can foster a sense of belonging and collaboration, even from a distance. 

Here are my 5 tips for staying connected and engaged with your team while working remotely:

1. Leverage Collaboration Tools

Platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack can help strengthen and enhance team communication. Use these tools for work-related discussions and to stay connected with your colleagues personally.  

For instance, if you know there’s an in-office event happening, such as a team outing or lunch, send your team a message wishing them a fun time. This small gesture can help bridge the gap, make you feel more involved in the team’s activities, and show that you care, even from a distance.

And since you miss the break room chit chat, don’t be afraid to send messages asking your colleagues what they thought about the big game or the new season finale of the latest hit show. These are small ways to keep in touch and stay front of mind, while also making the effort to stay connected on a personal level.

2. Schedule Regular Meetings

Don’t hesitate to set up calls for various purposes, whether it’s a working or brainstorming session or simply a virtual lunch or catch-up call. These meetings allow you to see your team members’ faces and hear their voices (and vice versa), fostering a sense of connection and camaraderie. These calls can also be highly productive, enabling you to collaborate on projects and share ideas in real time.  

By incorporating regular virtual interactions into your routine, you can maintain strong relationships with your colleagues and ensure that everyone stays aligned and engaged. My tip is to always have your camera on for these meetings. It’s always nice for your colleagues to see your face, and vice versa, and it improves communication, collaboration and rapport!  

3. Join Employee Resource Groups

 If your company offers employee resource groups (ERGs), make sure to get involved. These groups provide an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues from different teams and divisions within the company. As a former committee member of Judge’s Women’s Empowerment ERG, I found this to be a great way to stay connected with my colleagues. Participating in ERGs allows you to engage in various activities, share experiences, and build relationships with a diverse group of employees.  

This not only helps you feel more integrated into the company culture, but also broadens your network and enhances your overall work experience. Sometimes, they even host virtual after-hour events like crafts, movie nights, baking sessions, and more! 

4. Seek Feedback and Be Flexible

Inquire if there are any adjustments or improvements that can be made to enhance the virtual workflow for both you and your colleagues. This could involve discussing preferred communication methods, adjusting meeting schedules to accommodate different time zones, or exploring new tools and technologies that could streamline processes. Virtual collaboration tools like Figma or Canva allow for seamless feedback and provide the adaptability to work effectively from anywhere. Being flexible and open to change is key to finding solutions that work for everyone.

5. Plan In-Person Meetups

Whenever possible, try to organize at least one in-person meeting with your team each year. These gatherings can be invaluable for building stronger relationships, fostering team cohesion, and creating memorable experiences. Whether it’s a team building event, company party, or a casual get-together, face-to-face interactions can help bridge the gap that remote work sometimes creates. By making an effort to meet in person, you can strengthen your connections and enhance collaboration within the team. 

Key Takeaways  

In a remote work environment, fostering strong connections and effective collaboration is key. By leveraging collaboration tools, scheduling regular meetings, participating in employee resource groups, seeking feedback, and planning in-person meetups, remote workers can bridge the gap of physical distance and create a sense of belonging within their teams. 

Remember, successful remote work is not just about completing tasks; it’s about building relationships and maintaining a positive work culture. By implementing these five strategies, you can ensure that your remote work experience is both productive and fulfilling for both you and your colleagues! 

About the author 

Lizzie Hobson joined The Judge Group in May 2022 as a Marketing Content Specialist, where she specializes in social media marketing. Lizzie graduated from Michigan State University with a major in Journalism and concentration in Broadcasting in 2021. You can connect with Lizzie on LinkedIn here.