Remote work comes with undeniable perks, but it also presents a challenge to the remote employee: how do you make sure your contributions are seen, your work is valued, and you’re top of mind when it comes to big projects and promotions?
In a traditional office, visibility happens naturally. Leaders notice who is staying late, contributing in meetings or going the extra mile. As a remote employee, you have to be more intentional about making your presence felt.
Here’s how:
Stand Out in Virtual Meetings
Virtual meetings are one of the few times when everyone is “in the same room,” making them a prime opportunity to showcase your insights and leadership. Many remote employees make the mistake of passively listening, assuming that simply attending is enough. However, consistently contributing to discussions will help ensure that colleagues and leadership recognize your expertise.
Whether it’s offering a quick update, sharing an insight, or asking a thoughtful question, engaging early into the conversation signals to others that you are an active participant. Volunteer to present updates or lead discussions whenever possible, and if an agenda is provided ahead of time, prepare comments or questions related to the topics being discussed. But don’t just talk to talk. Ensure you have something meaningful to share, otherwise it could backfire.
Stay Visible on Communication Platforms
This can be sharing a client success story, shouting out a teammate for a win, thanking someone for their help closing a big deal, commenting on someone else’s post or responding to someone’s question. Being active on these platforms helps keep your name top of mind and shows you’re engaged and involved, even from afar.
Ensure Your Work Gets Noticed
When working remotely, it’s easy to assume that delivering strong results is enough. However, if no one sees or hears about your contributions, they may be overlooked when leadership is making decisions about promotions or project assignments. Keeping track of your accomplishments and sharing them strategically ensures your impact is recognized.
One effective way to do this is by sending a monthly or quarterly update to your manager highlighting key achievements, challenges overcome and measurable results. Instead of simply stating what you worked on, focus on how your efforts contributed to business goals. For example, rather than saying, “I completed a new report,” frame it as, “The new report I developed helped leadership identify a 10% increase in revenue opportunities.”
Build Strong Relationships Remotely
Working remotely doesn’t mean working in isolation. Strong professional relationships are just as important in a virtual setting as they are in an office, and taking the initiative to connect with colleagues and leaders can help you stay top of mind for career opportunities.
Regular check-ins with your manager are crucial for ensuring alignment on priorities, discussing career goals and receiving feedback. But beyond one-on-ones with your manager, engaging with other senior leaders can help build rapport and increase your visibility, whether it’s asking insightful questions in town halls, engaging with their posts in Teams or Slack, or reaching out for a quick touch base if that’s feasible.
Showcase Initiative from a Distance
One of the best ways to stand out in a remote environment is by demonstrating a commitment to growth and innovation. Taking ownership of your professional development and sharing what you learn with your team positions you as someone who is forward-thinking and invested in both personal and company success.
Investing in online courses, certifications, or industry webinars can help you stay ahead of trends and build expertise in your field. Leading a lunch-and-learn session to share valuable insights or documenting a process improvement for your team are simple ways to showcase leadership, even if you aren’t in a managerial role.
Showing presence as a remote employee requires intentional effort. Speaking up in meetings, staying active on company communication channels, tracking and sharing your wins, building strong professional relationships and investing in your own growth are all strategies that will help you stand out.
Remote employees who get noticed don’t wait for visibility—they create it. By being proactive, engaged and strategic, you can ensure that when leadership considers employees for promotions or high-profile projects, your name is at the top of the list.
Looking for a role where your contributions will be recognized—remote, hybrid, or in-office? Check out our open roles today.
