Learn to navigate your career next step with our guide on when to seek a promotion. Discuss your current role, explore possibilities, and pitch for more duties.
There are many advantages to working at home, but there's at least one drawback. Telecommuters are 50% less likely to get promoted, according to a Stanford University study. Other research suggests that this is due to your colleagues' assumptions when they don't see you around the office regularly.
If you want to wear your bunny slippers while you move ahead, study these tips. You'll learn how to raise your visibility and demonstrate your reliability.
How to Increase Your Face Time
Management experts believe that passive face time plays a big part in how your colleagues view you. Just seeing you around tends to create an impression that you're a committed team player. You may need to make an extra effort if you work remotely.
1. Attend meetings. Show up for weekly staff meetings, even if your presence isn't required. Find out when clients are coming to the office so you can be available to sit in or help out. Schedule regular check-in sessions with your boss.
2. Participate in social events. Mingle at holiday and birthday celebrations and catch up with your colleagues and former office mates.
3. Throw a party. Host your gathering. Invite your co-workers to your house and treat the whole office where possible.
4. Travel together. Business trips are an ideal way to bond. See if you can catch the same flight as your colleagues and invite them to share a meal.
5. Volunteer as a group. Support a worthy cause while you network. Maybe your employer coordinates visit a local food bank or home building project. Ask about starting a service program if there's nothing in place already.
6. Join a committee. Serving on a committee is an excellent way to strengthen your relationships and expand your experience. Help plan the next conference or reduce energy consumption.
7. Share photos. Pictures often have more impact than words. Send your boss engaging images of you visiting project sites or talking with happy customers.
How to Prove Your Reliability
That Stanford study also found that employees who work at home are happier and more productive. The facts are on your side. You just need to let your colleagues know what you're doing.
1. Post your hours. Share your office hours. That way, your colleagues will know the best time to contact you if they need an immediate response.
2. Meet deadlines. Develop a reputation for punctuality. Turn in your assignments on time, especially if other employees need you to respond so they can stay on track.
3. Exceed expectations. Your boss will be less likely to wonder if you're watching Netflix if you consistently deliver excellence. Clarify her priorities so you can focus your efforts.
4. Track accomplishments. It's even more important to keep detailed records if you work much of the time independently. Take the last few minutes of the day to jot down your achievements. Tell your boss about your success stories.
5. Prepare for evaluations. If possible, encourage your employer to base performance evaluations on objective outcomes. Present your accomplishments and suggest any broader issues you want to discuss.
Creating more face time while you show your boss you're indispensable is a significant first step. However, remember that it's also essential to ask for what you want, whether a raise or a new position. Put it all together, and you'll be well on your way to a successful career while working at home.
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