Tip #1: Give online meetings your full focus
By this stage in your WFH journey, you are well aware of the importance of not just attending online meetings, but focusing on your presence in them.
This means switching on your camera so people you’re meeting with feel a more authentic connection. Even if it’s a meeting with lots of other attendees, you may just be a face among many, but it’s still a face that’s much more memorable than a black screen. Listen in your meetings, make contributions and try to avoid checking emails and toggling between screens.
If a coworker has just given a successful online presentation or even just helped answer your query, take the time to recognise their efforts. Write them an appreciative email or give kudos in the wider Teams channel. It’s great for team morale and inspires those you’re working alongside!
Tip #2: Go further with social initiatives
Making the time to build relationships with your remote coworkers can be a great way to support others and create a positive day-to-day environment – even if it’s just online.
Some employees voluntarily create Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support each other, particularly groups with similar backgrounds. These groups offer a community to workers, particularly people of similar ethnicities, gender identities or sexual orientations, and encourage diversity and inclusion within an organisation.
You could also establish social groups that don’t necessarily involve work activities. Think of it as the equivalent to your lunch break with workmates. It could revolve around a special interest area or a wellness pursuit.
This is why social initiatives such as footy tipping, trivia and book clubs work so well for building team morale in the workplace. They work well in person but can easily be transferred online to give coworkers the opportunity to get to know each other beyond the limitations of work.
Tip #3: Mentor someone starting their career in your industry
Regularly meeting with a mentee keeps you connected to someone else and their experiences. Whether you’re chatting with your mentee over a coffee in person or a Teams meeting, prioritising this time can be just the thing you need to forge a new, long-lasting professional connection.
Finding a mentee can be as simple as offering informal professional advice to a more junior colleague. But if you’re interested in something more formal, you could enquire about a program through your organisation or even explore RMIT’s mentoring program, which is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. It also offers flexibility for mentors so they can best manage their workload.
Mentoring is also very fulfilling. The tips and advice you impart to those in the early stages of their career could make a huge difference to their trajectory, and help you practise leadership beyond your role.
Tip #4: Update and maintain your online presence
LinkedIn is a great way to start reviving connections that might have faded over time. Check your profile is up to date then begin making regular posts to show others you are active in your industry.
Remember to look for ways to meaningfully connect with others on LinkedIn. This means taking the time each working day to check what others are posting and see what’s happening in their worlds. Interact by responding to their posts, offering your own advice or participating in learning opportunities.
You could also join LinkedIn groups that will help expand your network or connect to others with a shared interest. RMIT alum can join the LinkedIn RMIT Alumni page where alumni post jobs, connect with others and share their achievements.
Working from home may mean you need to work harder to stay connected. But the advantages make it well worthwhile as you begin to see lifts in your job satisfaction, efficiency and even your leadership skills.
1 https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/earnings-and-working-conditions/working-arrangements/latest-release#working-from-home
Story: Kate Jones
