When you work remotely, your employer needs to know that you are committed to getting your work done. Communication is key.
So, here are a few tips for those of you still trying to adjust to this new normal…
For more than two years, most of us have been working for home. I don’t even think you could classify it as “remote,” because it’s not like you’re in a local coffee shop or library, or other public space. You’re at home, all the time…
I spent six years working in a small office with one window, then took a job with a digital media company – that allowed me to be completely remote. But, of course, with every new opportunity comes new challenges.
1. KEEP YOUR TONE UPBEAT
As much as I love email, there is something fundamentally wrong with it: There is no way for you to accurately understand the tone of the person writing it.
Email provides ample opportunity for comments, assignments, statements, and requests, to be completely misconstrued. So, even if the situation is critical and something needs to get done ASAP, always try to communicate in a tone that is somewhat upbeat.
Clearly, you can stress the importance of a circumstance, but try to remember that the person you’re talking to is in the same boat as you. Losing your cool or flying off the handle doesn’t help anyone, and will only hinder your relationships with your co-workers.
CAP LOCKS is never appreciated.
2. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, ASK THEM
If you’re anything like me, you pride yourself on completing an assignment on time and done well. At my previous job, rather than ask questions, I would create two versions of any given project, and let my supervisor choose which she thought was best.
Now, not having the luxury of working steps from my supervisors, working remotely requires that I be completely aware of the expectations of all of my projects. There is no waste of time greater than completing a project, only to find that it needs to be revised.
Always ask questions. Nobody is going to think any less of you because you needed clarification on the parameters of your project.
3. ACTIVELY SEEK OUT FEEDBACK
Another challenging aspect of working remotely is realizing that all of the members of your team are, like you, extremely busy—but you’re not able to see that.
Speaking from personal experience, I’ve completed projects and gone days without hearing back. Although my anxiety level rose a bit, I understand that, sometimes, it can take a while for my supervisors to review what I’ve done. They do have a million things on their own plates, after all.
Always ask questions. Nobody is going to think any less of you because you needed clarification on the parameters of your project.
So, I’ve begun to request acknowledgment and feedback. The acknowledgement is to let me know that they are in receipt of my work; and the feedback is to let me know that they are satisfied with my work, or to provide me with any edits that need to be made.
Feedback can also boost your confidence, as I’ve recently found out. Switching positions isn’t easy, but switching industries—as I just did—can be down right nerve-racking. It is very reassuring to hear from your co-workers and supervisors that, although you’re new to the arena, you’re moving in the right direction and that they’re happy you’re a part of the team.
All jobs have challenges. Those tend to grow exponentially when you work remotely—far from your boss and your team.
The most important thing to remember is that your coworkers won’t remember all of the random project details or the watercooler chats you might miss—but they will remember how you handled yourself, and how you treated them.
They are your team. Don’t forget that, even if you have to take a train or a plane to see them.
This article originally appeared on Career Contessa, you can find it here!
