What I learned working remotely!
I joined RingCentral as a remote intern in 2020 and was later onboarded as a full-time employee. When Covid hit and I got to know that I will start working virtually, I was apprehensive of how the team dynamics would work and if I will be able to perform at my 100% along with many other questions. But over time I have learned how well the virtual work-culture has developed, where not only work gets done with high productivity, but we also get to do fun activities and get to know our team members outside of work with virtual team events! I can only imagine how much more fun it would have been had I been able to meet everyone in person!
There are some very basic and simple things we either take for granted and might miss to recognize to get adjusted to working remotely. And I identified those for myself, within a few months of being remote. These are some tips that might come in handy — whatever stage of your career you might be in — whether it is an internship that you have started, or a new role you will be taking up.
Some tips to working remotely —
- Have frequent check-ins with your manager
I learned it was important to have quick video check-ins regularly with your manager especially when you have joined a new team. I believe this really helps not only to keep track of your work, but it helps build a connection which otherwise can get lost in chat messages. Meeting your manager regularly helps them understand your work style, your approach and way of thinking. Another advantage is for you to be able to track your responsibilities on a regular basis and also to create accountability for yourself.
2. Try to keep your video on during meetings
In a world where we have to work and communicate virtually, it is even more pertinent that we understand each-others’ non-verbal cues. Video meetings are the only place we can actually see each other, as rest of the time we work by ourselves. You would certainly get a sense of belonging when people notice you in meetings. So keep your video on and don’t be shy if yours is the only tile with the video on! I have also noticed, a lot of the time people want to turn their videos on, but are waiting for someone to go first. You can be that person and a trend-setter!
3. Network with people within and outside of your team
This can seem daunting to some, but it’s important to get to know people from within and outside of your team. This will help you understand your team and company culture, work approach and team dynamics better. You can take small steps by having informal talks, setting up meetings for coffee chats with your team mates. Be bold enough to simply call someone when they aren’t showing ‘busy’ or ‘in a meeting’ status! That is something the head of our UX team encourages us to do. And if someone’s busy, they will hang up or call you later, but give it a try! Wouldn’t you go up and talk to someone during a lunch break or go up to someone’s desk just to ask how it was going, if you were in an office setting?! Try replicating something like that over a video call!
4. Attend virtual company activities outside of work
In a pre-covid world you would have had ample opportunities to meet colleagues and people outside of work in company and team events. But since we do not have that luxury right now, it would be a good idea to join virtual groups where you get to socialize with people at your company. You can also take an initiative and start your own activity group! You will be surprised to see how many people might share similar interests and hey, if there’s fewer people who share similar interests as yours, that’s one new thing you learned about your team! At RingCentral, we have groups like Virtual Yoga, Virtual Team Walks, Toastmasters, groups where you share food recipes and more! You get to know different aspects of your colleagues’ personalities which otherwise would be difficult to know in a remote work setting.
Give these small tips a try and you might realize how easy your transition becomes to working remotely at a new company, in a new role or an internship!
