Remote and hybrid work have made flexibility the norm, but they’ve also changed how we build relationships at work. Gone are the casual coffee chats, hallway conversations, and after-meeting small talk that used to help us connect and build trust. If you’re working from home and wondering how to build strong relationships with your team and manager, you’re not alone.
The good news? You don’t need to be in the office to make a strong impression or feel like part of the team. With a few simple habits, you can build meaningful virtual relationships that support your career growth and help you feel more connected and confident at work.
Here’s how to get started.
1. Be Intentional About Communication
Working remotely means fewer spontaneous check-ins. That’s why it’s important to reach out on purpose. Don’t wait for your manager or teammates to contact you;take the lead.
Try the following:
- Send a quick weekly update to your boss, even if they didn’t ask for one. This helps them stay in the loop and shows that you’re proactive.
- Message a teammate after a meeting to thank them or ask a follow-up question.
- Schedule virtual coffee chats with coworkers you don’t work with regularly. It’s a great way to stay visible across teams.
These small actions build trust over time and make you more approachable and reliable.
2. Show Up on Video (When It Matters)
You don’t need to be on camera for every meeting, but using video strategically can help humanize remote work. Seeing your face, expressions, and reactions makes communication feel more personal, especially with new teammates or during one-on-ones with your boss.
Use video when:
- You’re giving updates or leading part of a meeting
- It’s a team-building or brainstorming session
- You’re having a performance or career conversation
It’s not about looking perfect. It’s about showing presence and building connection.
3. Be Clear and Considerate in Messages
Without tone of voice or body language, written communication can be misread. That’s why clarity and tone matter, especially in tools like Slack, Teams, or email.
A few helpful tips:
- Be direct, but warm. (“Just checking in to see if you had a chance to review this 😊”)
- Avoid long blocks of text—use bullet points or short paragraphs
- Don’t be afraid to use emojis (sparingly!) to soften the tone
Being a thoughtful communicator helps avoid misunderstandings and makes you easier to work with.
4. Find Opportunities to Be Helpful
One of the best ways to build strong relationships—virtually or in person—is by being helpful. If you notice someone is swamped or struggling with a task you understand, offer your support.
This could be:
- Sharing a helpful resource or template
- Offering to review something quickly
- Volunteering for a small task in a cross-functional project
Helping others signals that you’re a team player—and people will remember that.
5. Share Wins, Progress, and Ideas
You might feel uncomfortable talking about your work, especially in a virtual setting. But staying silent can make it hard for others to see your contributions.
Find low-pressure ways to share:
- Add wins and learnings to your weekly update
- Celebrate team success and mention your part in it
- Share thoughtful ideas or questions in team chats
This helps others see your impact—and makes you a valuable voice in the (virtual) room.
Building strong virtual relationships takes effort, but it’s absolutely possible. By communicating with intention, being helpful, and staying visible, you can create meaningful connections that support both your work and your long-term career goals.
Start small. Pick one or two of these habits to try this week — and see what changes.
