It’s safe to say that hybrid working is now the norm in public practice.
And what a brilliant example of progress that is – there are so many benefits for both employers and employees.
For many firms, the next step on from hybrid working is fully remote working. Again, a system of working that offers so many benefits to both parties, but one that comes with plenty of challenges. One of which is how can great employees ensure that their contribution gets noticed.
Here’s our 7 top tips for those of you working remotely who don’t want to let your skills go unnoticed at work.
1. Don’t let bad habits slip into your daily routine.
There are so many perks to working from home, but if you see not getting fully showered or dressed as one of them, don’t be surprised if you’re not taken seriously and if your contribution, no matter how good it is, starts being overlooked.
Though you don’t need to don your best suit every day, taking the time to maintain a similar level of personal and professional standards as you would if you were travelling into an office, is important.
2. Take the time to consider where you can be noticed and nurture that, making it a priority to show up and show up well.
Perhaps your firm has daily online huddles which aren’t compulsory but are there if you need them. Make sure you prioritise attending these! You wouldn’t expect to form and bolster useful professional relationships in a physical workplace if you locked yourself away in a broom cupboard all day, so make sure you don’t do the same at home.
Show up! Take the time to prepare some useful discussion points and make sure you’re seen to be a useful voice that helps to make the whole team more cohesive.
3. Cameras on.
Because how can you expect to be seen, if you can’t be seen! It may sound like the simplest little thing but it’s amazing how many professionals out there don’t use their cameras on video calls. Only switch it off if there is genuinely a very good reason for doing so.
4. Be noticed as a listener, not just a speaker.
Don’t make the classic mistake of assuming that being loud and heard at every opportunity is the key to getting noticed. There’s a critical balance to be found between how much you speak and contribute and how much you listen and reflect.
Take the time to build a reputation as an active listener and also as someone who can help colleagues in times of need. Whether your colleagues need a sense check about something they are working on, some advice on a technical matter or just a listening ear when they are having a bad day, offering a listening ear and some supportive words of help or encouragement will definitely help cement your reputation as a brilliant member of the team.
5. Make sure your digital presence reflects what you want to be noticed for!
In a digital world, your social media platforms and online profiles are a really important way to show your contribution to the professional world. So, make sure yours is showing the profile you want people to see!
Make a diary note to give your platforms a clean up every three months or so, delete anything that is no longer relevant and consider the snapshot that people will get of you when they log on to your profiles.
6. Don’t shy away from protected time to shine.
Great employers will ensure that they have regular time set aside for all employees to share their achievements and challenges with their line manager. When you’re in head down mode, it can be really easy to pass on that time and prioritise your general tasks and duties. But this is a mistake. We all need to look up from time to time and ensure that our achievements are getting the attention that they deserve and that we have an outlet for any low level grumbles that might be bothering us. Left unchecked, grumbles can become big problems very quickly and couple that to a feeling that you’re never thanked of valued for your hard work, and you have a recipe for resentment that can really hinder your professional progress.
So, if you work for a great employer, gratefully accept the development time you’re offered.
7. Show up in person, if you can.
Some employers will invite their staff to attend face to face meetings or social events from time to time. If you’re geographically set apart, you might not be keen on the idea. But the very best way to be noticed, is to be in front of someone, physically, so don’t dismiss the invitations if you can make it work.
‘Ultimately the opportunity to shine as a committed accountant is a result of a joint effort between you as an employee and your employer. And it’s likely that you’re both adapting to this new way of working, so give and take may be required to find the right balance. There are so many benefits to operating a remote workforce, but lots of attention needs to be paid to making it work for everyone. If you’re finding that your employer is either overly focused on presenteeism or that they are just leaving you to get the job done without any attempt to support your professional learning and development and indeed your wellbeing, know that we can support you to make a change.’
Garry Howling, MD
If you want to work for an employer in public practice who is striking the right balance, supporting their staff to achieve and celebrating their wins, know that we represent a great many practices who are offering remote and hybrid opportunities at every level.
Our jobs board is the ideal place to start your search, but also remember that reaching out for a confidential call with one of our recruitment consultants is an ideal way to get your skills noticed in the public practice recruitment market. We’re delighted to offer a full career counselling services for talented accountants so email us today or upload your CV and we’ll be in touch soon with next steps.
