What do you do if remote work is hindering your career advancement opportunities?

Navigating the challenges of remote work can be complex, especially when it feels like your career progression is stalling. Without the traditional office environment, making your accomplishments visible and staying connected with your team and management can require extra effort. But there are strategies you can employ to ensure that your career trajectory doesn't suffer due to your remote status. From increasing visibility to seeking feedback, this article will guide you through practical steps to help you advance in your career, even when working from home.

1 Visibility Matters

In a remote work setting, out of sight can mean out of mind, so it's crucial to maintain visibility within your organization. Regularly update your manager and team on your achievements and the progress of your projects. Utilize digital communication tools to share updates and successes. Engage actively in virtual meetings and offer to lead projects or initiatives that will showcase your skills and dedication. By staying visible, you demonstrate your commitment and value to the company, which can lead to recognition and advancement opportunities.

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Priyanka Das

Employee Benefits & Experience|| Business Partnering|| Barracuda
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1. Proactively communicate with supervisors about career aspirations and seek clarity on remote advancement pathways. 2. Explore opportunities for skill development and networking through virtual events, online courses, and professional associations. 3. Showcase achievements and contributions through regular updates and performance reviews to demonstrate readiness for advancement. 4. Seek mentorship or guidance from senior leaders to navigate remote career advancement challenges effectively.

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Jha Arunima Esq. (CIPP/E)

Specialized Counsel in TMT, IP Governance, Private Equity & M&A | Ex-BookMyShow | Expert in Commercial Law, LLM & MBA (Finance)
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Firstly, communicate openly with your manager or HR department to express your career goals and concerns. Explore remote-friendly professional development opportunities such as online courses, virtual workshops, or networking events to enhance your skills and expand your network. Additionally, seek mentorship and guidance from experienced colleagues or industry professionals to navigate remote work challenges and identify advancement opportunities. Remain flexible and adaptable to changes in the remote work landscape, while actively seeking ways to showcase your achievements and contributions to the organization.

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2 Seek Feedback

Regular feedback is a cornerstone of career development. Requesting feedback from your superiors and peers can provide you with insights into areas where you excel and where there's room for improvement. Schedule periodic check-ins with your manager to discuss your performance, set goals, and express your aspirations for career advancement. This proactive approach shows that you're invested in your personal growth and eager to contribute to the company's success.

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3 Networking Online

Networking isn't exclusive to in-person events. Leverage social media platforms and professional networks to connect with industry peers and leaders. Participate in virtual conferences, webinars, and forums related to your field. Engaging with others in your industry can lead to mentorship opportunities, collaborations, and even job offers. Building a strong online presence can amplify your professional reputation and open doors that might otherwise remain closed in a remote work environment.

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Jason Greer Diversity, Employee and Labor Relations Expert

I solve the problems that keep CEOs, Executives, Human Resources professionals, and Attorneys up at night. I also help improve productivity in your company for a more profitable outcome!
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Build a personal brand by launching a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel to showcase your expertise. This not only highlights your skills but also boosts your visibility in your industry, helping to overcome career advancement challenges in remote work by making you stand out to employers and collaborators.

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4 Upskill Yourself

The remote work model provides an excellent opportunity to upskill or reskill. Identify skills that are in demand within your industry or company and seek out online courses, certifications, or workshops to enhance your expertise. By investing in your professional development, you not only increase your value to your current employer but also make yourself more marketable for future opportunities. Continuous learning shows initiative and adaptability—traits that are highly valued in the evolving workplace.

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5 Champion Your Cause

Don't be shy about advocating for yourself. If you feel that remote work is impeding your career growth, address it directly with your manager. Present a well-thought-out case for why you deserve a promotion or more significant responsibilities, backed by examples of your contributions and achievements. If there are specific obstacles that remote work presents, suggest solutions that could help you overcome them. Being your own champion can be a powerful force in driving your career forward.

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6 Flexible Strategies

Flexibility can be a key asset when seeking career advancement from a remote position. Be open to taking on different types of projects or roles that may not be your first choice but could lead to new opportunities. Additionally, consider if a hybrid work model—a mix of remote and in-office work—could provide a better balance for visibility and collaboration. Sometimes, showing willingness to adapt can result in new pathways for growth within your organization.

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Laura Harding

HR Manager at Fortra
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If you are looking to develop your career, putting your hand up for projects is important, but don't wait for projects to be suggested. Look at ways you can improve processes and procedures and suggest projects that you believe will have a positive impact. If you are unable to work a hybrid work model, then you could demonstrate your willingness to adapt by working different hours to work on a project in a different time zone.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if remote work is hindering your career advancement opportunities?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Visibility Matters

2 Seek Feedback

3 Networking Online

4 Upskill Yourself

5 Champion Your Cause

6 Flexible Strategies

7 Here’s what else to consider

Employee Relations

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What do you do if remote work is hindering your career advancement opportunities?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Visibility Matters

2 Seek Feedback

3 Networking Online

4 Upskill Yourself

5 Champion Your Cause

6 Flexible Strategies

7 Here’s what else to consider

Employee Relations

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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