Working from home — or telecommuting — can be a real plus for many employees. But if you’re not working on-site, you may need to work a little harder to stay connected with your boss and coworkers. Here are some suggestions I recently offered a reader who asked:
I recently accepted a new position at a company that supports working from home. While I am excited about the job, I never see my boss, which concerns me. What is the best way to stay connected when you are not in a traditional office environment?
This person’s concern is valid, and here’s an example of the problems telecommuting can present: An at-home worker was very happy with the arrangement that let her stay active in her field while keeping a schedule that worked for her family, but when her management changed, she didn’t take the initiative to connect with her new boss.
The new boss didn’t really know her capabilities and background, and as the weeks passed, she missed out on some of the larger projects, and eventually found herself assigned a much smaller project than usual. She called her new boss and set up a face-to-face meeting to discuss the project and develop a better understanding of the changes that had taken place.
Here’s the lesson: When you work off-site, and you don’t see your boss every day, it’s up to you to communicate and stay in touch.
Here are some strategies that can help you maintain contact with your boss:
Don’t rely on one type of communication. For example, instead of relying solely on email, schedule some face-to-face time with your boss in the office. If at all possible, set up regular meetings, even if you meet only once a month.
Leave a voice message that’s brief and gives a concise snapshot of your efforts when you’re working on projects. Keep your boss updated about what you are doing and your results.
Make it a habit to stay in contact with your colleagues regularly through email or brief phone conversations.
Never underestimate the need to initiate communication; don’t wait for your boss to come to you.
Attend office events, trainings and activities that keep you in front of your coworkers and management.
