You’re working remotely and need to network with colleagues. How can you stay connected?

Covid years have made us learn some new techniques:) In your daily sync ups making sure that every should have their videos on. It makes a lot of difference when you can see each other. Have chats around random topics, don't just discuss about work. Helping your peers in their regular work if they are stuck somewhere. Sharing your new learnings, Brainstorming on some ideas, discuss some business prob where you got stuck that is sometimes really helpful. Have some discussion around family, travel or games. Plan some online gaming activity with them. I feel playing team games is the best way to connect.

Remote advice abounds, but just like in an office, everyone works differently. The secret? Understanding work styles. ? Structure but flexible on the "how." Structured weekly meetings work but adjust the format to suit your team. ? Lead by example. Encourage walking & talking calls? Shared experiences build trust. ? Transparency is key. Block out lunch breaks, focus time. Transparent calendars helps others understand your work style. ? Feedback is a two-way street. Actively seek and offer it. Ask "what's working, what's not, and why?" Remote work thrives on flexibility & understanding. By respecting work styles & building open communication, you can unlock the full potential of your distributed team.

I have a simple way of staying connected with colleagues who are working at a distance - I have reminders on my calendar. Each week during a month the reminder includes a different short list of people I want to stay connected with. When the reminder pops up I send a brief text, linked in message, or choose to pick up the phone! Each month this prompt allows me to remain connected to more than 40 people (approx 10 a week). I don't contact everyone on the list every week, but over time this system allows me to stay more connected to more people than if I simply left things to chance! What ever your approach, cultivating winning relationships is not a guessing or memory game. Having a list isn't cheating!

In my experience as the world of remote working became more prevalent and being someone who has essentially been “remote” for around 15 years, I found it interesting the amount of advice and ideas people had around working from home. I actually made a linked in post about my tips and tricks. However the main element for me about remote working is communication. It should be regular, it should be concise, it should be broad in nature so you can communicate larger company goals and information but also include elements of specific advice around specific roles and tasks. It’s easy to say “it’s all good, keep doing what you’re doing”, as a manager but that can lead to uncertainty and a lack of understanding expectations.

I had the pleasure to work on many widespread Campus setups during the course of my career. To be honest, it does not matter if there are 200m inbetween buildings or an ocean - you simply do not see each other. With that said, "remote" is relative. So, just apply common sense when it comes to staying connected. (1) Reach out often and frequent - do not wait for a specific "I need" reason. (2) Listen and offer help, support, and information. (3) Be valuable and make them valuable. If you can achieve that - the connection will drive, regardless of the distance in-between.

Find the time in your calendar for regular touchpoints with colleagues. These should not be limited to your immediate team, but expand to include your peers and seniors. Making time to have a virtual coffee and discuss non-working related matters is an excellent way to maintain and develop team working. The 'catch ups' can be 10-15 minutes, but you must commit to attend and arrive on time. Using the same approach with peers and seniors not in your immediate team, is a great way to network. Its easier to book in virtual touchpoints in this way, especially with senior colleagues, than in was pre-pandemic. Take adavantage of the option, and be organised and planned. Signpost your intention and what you want to get from the time.

In my experience , I find having fun icebreakers or quick round table updates about non work stuff lightens up the atmosphere . It gives an opportunity to connect on a personal level . When you don’t meet people in person , informal conversations help to make connections and meaningful working relationships .

Be genuinely curious about your colleague's lives outside the office, remember details or milestones, and ask about them. Care about the answers, and contribute or help where needed or invited. This is something that can't be faked or simply ticked off.

One thing I find really helpful when managing remotely is to start off the virtual conversation via video call talking about what they have done outside of work for e.g. how their pets are, talking about news, or any other genuine conversation that is more about them instead of just work. Remember to do it out of curiosity to get to know them better as a person outside of work instead of interrogating them. If it's too personal or inappropriate, then stop. All the small talks in the first 15 mins definitely help to break the ice.

The goal of networking is to build relationships. Relationships happen when people get to know each other. If you are working in a remote environment, you don't have the option of crossing paths with others around the office. Casual conversation don’t happen. To create real relationships, you have be intentional in your approach. One way this can be accomplished is by scheduling time on both calendars for one on one conversations. Make these calls without agenda and try to steer away from work related topics. Ask questions. Learn about them. Be interested.

I have found success in scheduling virtual happy hours around different holidays with small groups (think 10 or less). Our home office does a lot of on-site events, so it's nice to have some time carved out with remote employees as well.

Though you work remotely, consider meeting in person every quarter and take part in team-building activities. This is a great opportunity to build a relationship with your team!

I presently serve as the host for a Dallas Strategic Network event, and I thoroughly enjoy my role. It allows me to forge connections with diverse individuals and businesses, providing me with the opportunity to hear inspiring stories about entrepreneurial journeys. Attendance at such events is pivotal for professionals in recruiting or any sales-related role. Staying abreast of industry trends is not only vital for personal success but also instrumental in contributing to the overall success of both oneself and the company.

Working remote has many advantages, but don’t forget to get outside and get some fresh air and Vitamin D. We've found it helpful to schedule a weekly yoga session or a :15 minute walk with other peers while online.

In my recent online MBA experience, virtual seminars extended beyond the workplace, proving critical for engagement, networking, and knowledge absorption. Active participation in the virtual classroom facilitated personal and professional development. I strongly endorse virtual events as not just networking opportunities but as effective mechanisms for substantial growth and development. It enables people to not only feel a strong sense of belonging but it creates a community of likeminded individuals who can support and uplift one another, share knowledge and insights, and create a culture of empathy.

By seeking constructive feedback on a task you completed or asking for advice on an ongoing project, you position yourself as someone who is willing to listen and learn from others. Ultimately this builds credibility amongst your peers.

Seeking advice and feedback is a great way to not only get different perspectives, but more importantly it helps build trust, which also strengthens the team.

I believe offering and receiving feedback is one of the easiest ways to build connection and rapport with colleagues, even remotely. By looking to your peers and higher ups for advice and perspective, you’re giving them the opportunity to be honest with you and share their experience. This can go a long way for your relationship and you will be seen as someone who is approachable, respectful, and open to others. The best working relationships are built on trust, and asking for feedback establishes that quite easily.

I think to ensure you are continuously improving, it is integral to seek 360 feedback. I have found it offers a more balanced and comprehensive view of my performance, my strengths and my areas for improvement. I feel it ultimately enhances communication and collaboration with all levels of staff, and helps contributes to a stronger, more cohesive working environment.

Feedback and advice is something that people should be actively seeking in a 360 degree way- up, down, sideways, and even client/vendor. Don't go in expecting specific feedback, be open to whatever may come up. Regardless of what it is you hear, thank them for sharing; Providing feedback is not easy for everyone.

To expand on boundaries further, especially in a remote setting, I’d say asking if a colleague needs or wants help before stepping in. And in turn, when offering support, clarify what you can and cannot do. This sets clear boundaries and prevents any misunderstanding about the extent of your help.

The best way to offer help and support in the workplace is by actively listening to colleagues, expressing genuine interest in their challenges, and providing assistance without being intrusive. Offer specific help, such as sharing your expertise, collaborating on tasks, or simply being available to lend a supportive ear. Customize your support based on their needs and preferences.

It's important to connect with people one-on-one because it helps us build strong relationships. Talking individually allows us to get to know each other beyond just work-related matters. Additionally, I believe that asking for help and advice is a good way to create stronger connections with our colleagues. Holding team calls at the end of the week, where everyone can share their accomplishments and lessons learned within this week, and discuss plans for the weekend in general, fosters a sense of good fellowship. Incorporating these casual conversations during the calls will help in building the team bonding.

If you’re new at a company or on a team, I usually like to ask around the team what’s everyone’s superpower so that we know how to give but also get support when needed, especially while working remote and not being able to walk up to someone: - for example, my superpower is that I’m a people connector. If you want to reach out to someone, I always ask people to look attached LinkedIn connections and tell me where I can make an introduction - others might be good at creating CRM reports - others might be good at drafting short, concise emails that can be used for templates for the team Make sure you share on Teams or Slack the name and the persons superpower and ensure everything is aware. Be proactive and schedule a coffee chat!

I often find that pinging a colleague to jump on a 5 minute video call for their thoughts was often well-received and a great way to build team camaraderie.

Simply remembering milestones says a lot! For example, I happen to know that my old colleague's 'work anniversary' is October 19th. Even though neither of us works at that company anymore, I made it a point to 'congratulate' her every year on that day, and I clearly still know it!

One time at my remote job my manager asked me "How do you like to be celebrated at work? Do you prefer gifts, shout-outs, awards, or that we just keep it low-key?" As an employee, I had never been asked this question before so I wasn't sure how to reply. After thinking about it some more, I realized how no other employer I've had in the past 15 years had thought or cared enough to ask me this question. Celebrating achievements and milestones are a great way to network with your colleagues remotely, but since it can be done through various means consider taking a moment to ask your colleagues how they want to be celebrated. It can help build more joy, gratitude, and pride with your colleagues.

In my opinion, there are multiple ways to acknowledge and appreciate team members and peers. I would invite the opportunity for vulnerability. The isolation, loneliness, and the feeling of never being off the clock can become overwhelming. I have found that creating space for colleagues and peers to debrief their feelings helps productivity in the long run. The assumption that all is well without actual check ins leads only to transactional leadership. Transformational leadership calls for personal sharing, vulnerability and transparency. As the leader, it’s my role to model what I would like my colleagues and team members to experience. I have found that creating this space at the beginning of meetings increases productivity.

From my experience, many struggle with working remotely not because of the ability to do their job, but more so for the lack of personal connections. Small items like a quick shoutout in group chats, an award or even just a reply to an email with congratulations can go a long way to make people feel connected and seen. A personal favorite is a hand written card, especially from a leader, this small act can show someone they are valued enough for that person to stop in their busy day and share their appreciation.

Embrace remote networking by celebrating achievements and milestones with your colleagues! Whether through congratulatory messages, virtual parties, or shout-outs, acknowledging hard work enhances motivation and builds a positive team spirit. It also boosts morale, inspires confidence, & creates a sense of appreciation & pride among colleagues & within your remote work community. Let's spread joy, gratitude, and pride in our remote teams & celebrate success together! ?? #RemoteNetworking #TeamSpirit #MilestoneCelebration"#Nakivo

Everyone may have different views on what connection looks like. Purposely have a conversation and ask each other what connection looks like? what would help them see that you're making an effort to stay connected and likewise, what would you need to see from them to feel connected? Intentionally design this with each other - identifying behaviours that support connection rather than behave in ways that may unintentionally get in the way of connection.

Dropping a “hi” into a team chat can be a friendly reminder that you are there and do not need anything from them. I have worked on teams where we sent weekly lists of what we had going on to keep everyone informed and to be able to support each other. Additionally, knowing if someone prefers the old fashion phone call is worth knowing as well. Video can be a lot all the time, it also encourages people to walk and talk.

Many good ideas offered already! I’d like to add that we can also become active members of Employee Resource Group/Business Resource Groups. This is a fantastic way to meet others within your department and also cross-functionality at your organization. Whether you join group activities virtually (or possibly in person when the opportunity arises), it’s a great way to network and stay connected. Other benefits? You will have access to/take advantage of professional and career development content/resources these groups offer. Access to/participate in volunteering opportunities in the community. You will also gain from being in the safe space that ERG/BRGs offer. I can keep going, however my character limit is nearly reached!

Working remotely can become very impersonal, despite the regular frequency of online meetings. So, it’s important to make “in person” time a priority too. This could involve meeting up in a particular city and going on joint sales calls or client visits, attending a conference together, or even planning some multi-day team building or “fun” days. Either way, scheduling an occasional in-person meeting goes a long way towards building healthy connections and positive relationships.

Introduzindo o "Ups and Downs": um oásis de conex?o em meio ao trabalho remoto! Em nosso time de consultores de vendas, reservamos 5 minutos preciosos por pessoa para compartilhar nossos altos e baixos da semana. é mais do que uma pausa; é uma chance de construir la?os, entender desafios e celebrar conquistas. Esta prática simples revela o poder da conex?o em equipes remotas, fortalecendo la?os, promovendo empatia e impulsionando o engajamento. Juntos, transformamos momentos individuais em experiências compartilhadas, construindo um time mais forte e unido.