How to Cultivate Work Relationships in a Remote Position

Remote work can be isolating and prevent workers from having a sense of community. Without a physical workplace, it can be hard to establish relationships with coworkers. Although it requires a proactive mentality, it’s possible to cultivate work relationships in a remote position.

By Timothy Mably

It can be a challenge to make friends at work , but it’s especially difficult for people in remote positions. Even though working from home should theoretically make a job feel more comfortable, it can be a cause of loneliness.

According to the National Society of High School Scholars’ 2022 Career Interest Survey, only 23% of Generation Z valued remote work with 63% saying they prefer being in person. This could be related to the reality that many Gen Zers have only known remote work and desire community. Remote work may have been incentivizing as a way to support employees’ mental health , but it has also contributed to isolation.??

The Value of Community

Many jobs have remained fully remote which were previously in person, prompting the need for workers to consider how they can cultivate work relationships. Community at work is a vital part of any job and has several benefits, with the capacity to drastically change a professional experience. Healthy work atmospheres can provide a space for employees to feel heard, receive feedback, ask hard questions, find support, and learn together.?

According to a Gallup poll, 63% of women who have someone they would call a best friend at work, are twice as likely to be engaged in their jobs. The greater sense of communication that comes with community may also lead to increased productivity. Naturally, remote work disadvantages people who want to build relationships.

It makes sense that some remote workers may feel that they’re missing out, prompting them to search for in-person work. Icebreakers may seem less impactful, bosses might not be sure how to stimulate conversations among workers, and workplace culture might feel nonexistent as a result. Although remote work is typically seen as a comfortable alternative to the office, some comfort is compromised in the decision to work from home.?

Be Proactive

As remote work becomes a long-term reality for workers, employees and bosses alike are learning how to navigate building community despite distance. However, this shared circumstance may actually help bridge a gap between remote workers.

Remote work coach Juliana Rabbi acknowledges the challenge that many currently experience. Rabbi says, “This is probably one of the trickiest things about working from home or remotely: keep the ‘team feeling’ and really connect with work employees. You need to be intentional about it and put the time to do so.”?

Anyone who has attempted to build relationships in the workplace knows that it requires intentionality. However, remote work requires twice as much effort and thoughtfulness.??

Rabbi offers some advice based on her experience, suggesting that remote workers send quick messages during the day to share things that aren’t necessarily related to work. This could involve a recommendation based on a movie you saw over the weekend, a place you went for lunch, or numerous other things. Although there isn’t a literal water cooler available, water cooler conversations can continue.?

Rabbi also recommends extending a typical work call for a few minutes to create space to connect with a coworker on other subjects outside of the professional realm. She says, “Connect with the person on social media and interact with his content. If you live in the same city or happen to be temporarily in the same city, make an effort to meet in person…”

In some ways, remote workers may be more likely to relate with one another based on their interests. Although not everyone purposefully chooses to be remote in their vocation, many who intentionally sought remote work chose it for a reason. Rabbi says, “People who choose to work remotely tend to appreciate more things outside of work, do different things in their time off, actively go to places and activities in which they can socialize and meet new people, prioritize freedom, etc.”?

If the opportunity arises to meet someone for the first time in person, one of these shared interests may lead to the perfect bonding activity. Whether it’s attending a sports game or having a drink, these moments can make up for the lack of shared lunch breaks.

Ultimately, cultivating work relationships depends on intentionally creating space and taking advantage of bonding opportunities. Unlike traditional office environments, you will often be left to your own devices to get to know others. You may have several things in common with your coworkers, but if you never bring up personal matters, you may never know.?

Start Small

Whether a position is in person or remote, it can take a while to feel comfortable opening up to coworkers. With this in mind, you should try to start small as you establish connections.?

LinkedIn Learning Top 10 course instructor Dave Crenshaw says , “People are more likely to be open and helpful if you give them some space to express themselves. On the other hand, don't overshare. Avoid talking about things that would be best to share with a professional, such as a therapist or a medical doctor.”?

Inevitably, there isn’t going to be as much time for small talk during remote work as there would in an office setting. Crenshaw gives the example of sharing about pets between coworkers as a starting point. By mentioning your cat or dog in an offhand comment, you may end up sparking a brief discussion among coworkers about their pets. He says, “These little moments help build relationships and take people beyond just being a transaction.”

Your openness and intentionality have the power to influence others to share about their own lives. By encouraging coworkers to be themselves and connect with each other, you will be cultivating work relationships in a remote position. Taking small steps to create conversations can yield big results and make remote workers feel much closer, regardless of how far they’re located.

Top Takeaways

Is it possible to cultivate work relationships in a remote position? How can you take steps to build friendships while working remotely?

• Work relationships are valuable and can be easily lost in remote work. 63% of women who have someone they would call a best friend at work are twice as likely to be engaged in their jobs. This spurs greater productivity in a company.
• It requires intentionality to build relationships in a remote position by creating space and opening up about your interests or daily life with coworkers.
• People in remote positions may have more in common than they realize, especially if they chose remote work to make time for other passions or hobbies.
• Spend more time speaking with a coworker on a call to take a moment to ask about their day.
• If a coworker is in your area, be proactive and schedule a time to hang out with them.