Feeling disconnected as a remote worker in global talent acquisition?

Sometimes, if you are not getting a proper response on time, you may feel disconnected virtually. Otherwise, you can connect with your office bestie, discuss the work, and do many other things apart from work. You need to interact with more members of your team, express your opinions more openly, and develop strong relationships with them. You don't have time to think about feeling disconnected as a remote worker.

Stay in the loop by scheduling regular virtual coffee breaks with your team—just because you're apart doesn't mean you can't chat over a cup of tea/coffee. Join online communities or Slack channels that match your interests to keep those social vibes flowing. Assign yourself a "buddy", someone you can check in with on a regular basis. Reach out to colleagues to see if you can form "interest pods" then meet up occasionally to hike/ do photography/cook etc. Make sure your workspace feels inspiring and personal, like your own little productivity haven. And don’t forget to check in with yourself—take breaks, get outside, and keep that work-life balance in check.

Beyond being a pleasant way to break up the day, these informal video calls emulate the spontaneous conversations that occur naturally in an office setting. They provide a platform to discuss shared interests, exchange personal stories, and build rapport in a relaxed atmosphere.

My remit is EME and 98% of the people I speak to are outside the UK&I. I have regular virtual coffee's to talk to my colleagues and get to know the people I am working with. It is not the same as standing around the water cooler but it is still nice to get to know people. Having that person, relationship, colleague to vent to is important to help balance your emotions during difficult times.

Initiate regular video calls and use instant messaging to stay connected with colleagues, ensuring alignment on projects and team objectives. Actively participate in virtual meetings and collaborative projects, contributing ideas and building relationships to mitigate feelings of isolation in global talent acquisition as a remote worker.

Without being face to face, or in the office, or that micromanager who is always catching up with you every five minutes, it is imperative you have self-discipline and hold yourself accountable. By setting your objectives and having clear check-points not only ensures you get your work done efficiently but is proof of your success, performance and eligibility to push on. I have always lived with KPI's and whilst it becomes a bigger taboo word in recruitment, it is essential to hold yourself accountable to ensure you deliver what you need to.

Clear objectives provide direction and focus, ensuring alignment with overall goals. They should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Clearly defined objectives enhance productivity, guide decision-making, and facilitate progress tracking. Setting clear objectives helps teams understand priorities, stay motivated, and achieve desired outcomes efficiently.

Online training offers flexible, accessible learning opportunities. It helps individuals to enhance skills and knowledge at their own pace, anytime and anywhere. With a wide range of courses available, online training supports continuous professional development. Interactive modules, videos, and assessments make learning engaging and effective, helping participants stay current and competitive in their fields.

Team rituals serve as a platform to celebrate achievements, both individual and collective. Recognizing successes not only boosts morale but also reinforces a sense of belonging and appreciation among team members. In a dispersed work setting, these moments of recognition are crucial for maintaining motivation and alignment with team goals.

In remote work, creating robust feedback loops isn't just about improvement—it's about cultivating a culture where insights are shared openly. These loops not only enhance individual growth but also fortify team collaboration and alignment with organizational goals.

When working remotely, feedback loops can also act as positive interaction's being a team that does not sit together on a daily basis. When in the office, you may get into a huddle or discuss things as a group, but by setting feedback loops, you're encouraging those touch points to make people feel included. Also, whilst working remote, it isn't as visibly obvious to see if a colleague is stressed, under pressure or struggling with their workload. By going through these loops, you can ensure everyone is supported adequately.

Feeling disconnected as a remote worker in global talent acquisition? Consider incorporating regular digital detoxes into your routine. While staying connected is essential, it’s equally important to periodically disconnect from digital devices to prevent burnout. Remote work can blur the boundaries between personal and professional life, often resulting in longer hours in front of screens. Designating specific times to unplug and recharge can significantly enhance your well-being and productivity. Striking a balance between connectivity and self-care allows you to be a more effective and engaged member of your global talent acquisition team while safeguarding your mental health.

Balancing connectivity and disconnection is crucial in remote work. As a part of a completely remote team, I’ve experienced this firsthand. I therefore jump on the opportunity for connecting live with colleagues when my company offers in-person training and team-building exercises - even if it's with colleagues that I do not directly work with. I also attend local networking events that connect offline. This not only improves my well-being but also enhances my productivity. It’s important to disconnect to stay connected.

Organize games that can be played virtually which includes scribble which would not only help you connect more but would also enhance your skillset and sharpen your mind. Also have frequent team huddles that would bring you more closer even if you are remote worker. Today's tech has made it really easy to stay connected and contribute in whatsoever way you wish too.