Description:
I’m considering a fully remote role, but I’m worried about career progression. Are remote workers generally less likely to be considered for promotions or significant raises compared to their in-office colleagues due to lack of visibility?
11 Answers
It can be a concern if the company doesn't have a strong remote-first culture or clear metrics for performance. 'Out of sight, out of mind' is a real risk. You need to be more proactive about communicating your achievements and seeking visibility for your work.
This really depends on the company. Some have made great strides in ensuring equitable promotion processes for remote vs. in-office. Ask direct questions during the interview about how they ensure remote employee growth and what the career paths look like.
I think remote workers have to be more intentional about networking within the company and making their contributions known. Schedule regular check-ins with your manager to discuss career goals. Document your wins and share them appropriately.
If performance is measured by results and impact, rather than 'time seen in the office,' then your location shouldn't matter. However, unconscious bias can still play a role. Look for companies that explicitly state their commitment to remote career progression.
It's less about being remote and more about how good your manager is at advocating for their team members, regardless of location. A good manager will ensure your work gets noticed by the right people.
Some studies suggest there *can* be a proximity bias. However, if the entire leadership or a significant portion of it is also remote, this is often less of an issue. Company culture is paramount.
Focus on building strong relationships with key stakeholders, even if it's all virtual. Offer to help on cross-functional projects. Your network can be a huge asset for visibility.
I got promoted twice while fully remote. Key was clear goals, quantifiable results, and actively participating in team meetings and company discussions. Show initiative and be a reliable team player.
It's a valid concern that many remote workers share. While the relationship between remote work and promotions can vary by company and industry, several factors can influence your career progression in a remote role:
1. Visibility--Indeed, remote workers may struggle with visibility. To counteract this, proactively communicate your accomplishments and ongoing projects to your manager and teammates.
2. Networking--Building relationships in a remote setting requires effort. Engage in virtual meetings and participate in online forums or social events to maintain connections.
3. Performance Metrics--Ensure you understand how your performance will be evaluated. Request clear goals and regular feedback, which can help demonstrate your value.
4. Company culture--Research your potential employer's stance on remote work and promotion practices. Companies with a strong remote culture often prioritize equitable advancement opportunities.
5. Advocacy--Seek a mentor or advocate within the organization who can support your career development.I think the worry about remote workers missing out on promotions is real but not because of just visibility. Sometimes, remote roles can make it harder to pick up on informal cues or office politics that influence who gets promoted. Itβs not just about showing your work but also about being part of the social fabric of a company. If youβre remote, finding ways to be involved in those casual conversations or decision-making moments can be tricky but crucial. That might mean joining virtual coffee chats or informal group calls even if theyβre outside your immediate job duties. So, career growth might take more effort and creativity when youβre remote, but itβs definitely possible if you stay connected in different ways beyond formal meetings.
Remote doesn't doom promotions if you play it smart!!! Find a sponsor in leadership who will advocate for you and give them a short "impact packet" before reviews. Boost external visibility with talks or GitHub to strengthen your case. Also ask HR for promotion bands and timelines so you can plann. imo this really helps π
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