Limited exposure for recognition while working from home? 7 habits to help career development

According to Renovo, the UK’s leading specialist provider of outplacement support, working from home, for some, may feel limiting when it comes to being recognised or promoted by their employers. In particular, anyone taking their first step onto the career ladder, or starting a new role following redundancy may have their concerns about their own career development within new environments.  

Emma-Louise O’Brien, Renovo’s award winning career coach, explained, “Without a traditional work environment, employees are missing regular interactions with colleagues which can stifle the chance to highlight their work, work-ethic and importance within an organisation. Even water-cooler moments, which may seem trivial, actually present the opportunity for employees to demonstrate their value and strengthen relationships - without them, they may feel unnoticed for their contributions.”

Consequently, Renovo states there are 7 habits employees should adopt to increase their chances of gaining recognition whilst working from home:

• Be Proactive

Increasing your visibility relies on you pushing yourself to increase interactions with those outside of your direct team. The more people and tasks you support, the more likely you are to open up opportunities for yourself. On top of this, share your career plans with your line manager, volunteer for projects, request additional responsibilities and actively highlight your desire to progress within the company. 

• Organise your day

Demonstrating that you’re capable of working productively is essential to display your success within a business and increase your scope for recognition. However, working from home can increase distractions so managing your time effectively is imperative to your success.

Adjusting simple routines, i.e taking solid lunch breaks, going on a ‘fake commute’ to organise thoughts before work or even planning intervals between screen time, help you to develop organised habits that structure your day and increase productivity. They also demonstrate that you’re accountable for your own wellbeing and efficiency whilst out of the traditional work environment.

• Adopt a flexible mindset

Maintaining flexibility in your work is another step that ensures you can be productive. As routines have changed, some individuals find they are capable of working more effectively during non-traditional working hours.

As such, and coinciding with employers accommodating this flexibility, it can be useful to remove yourself from the typical nine-five mindset. Individuals may find that it’s easier to work in the evenings or to schedule breaks around school pick-up/drop-off times, for example. Making these changes demonstrates further accountability for your achievements whilst home.

• Adjust your communications

Opportunities are often attached to people so it’s important not to let them slip because of reduced face-to-face interaction. Ensuring you take extra steps to communicate will help to raise your profile and build relationships among the right stakeholders. 

Accordingly, make time to speak with others virtually - even if it’s not a scheduled call, a five-minute chat at the end of a meeting will show that you’re making a conscious effort to get involved. 

It’s also key to remember that though preferences for video calls have increased during lockdown, this isn’t everyone’s favourite communication method. Ensure you’re interacting with others in a way that’s agreeable to them, through zoom, phone or email, will help you to build relationships.

• Ask for feedback

Though it can be daunting, requesting feedback highlights that you’re open to development opportunities. Putting your feedback into action will further emphasise that you’re keen to grow. Picking the right mentor is essential for good growth too. Employees should pick someone that they aspire to be like, with skills they want to develop, to help them follow their ideal career path.

• Take time for social moments

Without the chance for regular social catchups whilst working from home it can be easy to focus solely on work. But social interactions are essential for strengthening connections and opening up new opportunities.

To get around this, it’s important to plan communications with colleagues that aren’t based around work. Organising a virtual lunch, for example, or engaging in extracurricular activities planned by your company help you to establish yourself as part of the team on a human level.   

• Recognise your value

Understanding your value in the workplace is about recognising the role you play, the skills you have and how this fits into the broader objectives of the business. Appreciating this also highlights any gaps in your capabilities that can be improved. It’s key to recognise your worth but also to show understanding that you are keen to grow.

Renovo is the UK’s leading outplacement services specialist.