愛污传媒

Skip to main content

Pattie Lovett-Reid: How to 'hustle' to avoid being forgotten while working remotely

A woman works remotely in this stock image. (Pexels) A woman works remotely in this stock image. (Pexels)
Share
HUNTSVILLE, Ont. -

Full disclosure: I love working from home.

I have found I'm more productive, focused, and enjoy spending a lot less money on fast food, transportation, and even clothing.

But it isn't all rosy. I miss the the brainstorming sessions where I used to get some of my best ideas. The water cooler chats that forced me to stay-up-to date on pop culture. And just idle chit chat in the halls.

A recent comment, however, grabbed my attention. It was made by JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon during a conference hosted by the Wall Street Journal. He said he wants people back at work because exclusively working from home 鈥渄oesn't work for young people.鈥

鈥淚t doesn't work for those who want to hustle. It doesn't work for spontaneous idea generation. It doesn't work for culture," he said.

I had to think about this and to be fair, I get that it may not work for all. It could be a generational thing, but heck, I still hustle. And not everyone agrees. Companies like Zillow, Twitter, Coinbase, and MasterCard to name a few have either extended the work-from-home order or made it a permanent arrangement.

Working from home can't be all negative. The ability to find the best talent globally has to be appealing.

What we have found during the pandemic is the ability to work anywhere, anytime, without bricks and mortar has opened up the global talent pool and in doing so, could in fact, help an organization win the war for talent.

In other words, getting the right people in the rights jobs to drive performance. Not to mention, less commuting can result in a less stressful life. A big win for the environment and the individual.

The pandemic has in an ironic way opened up the workforce.

Potential employees living in smaller communities now have the ability to work for larger corporations that in the past were ruled out due to lack of face time in the office. Talented people living outside some of the big urban centres have had limited progressive opportunities to move up the ladder or even work for national or globally-based companies.

The business landscape seems to be shifting along with the office setting.

But a word of caution, change rarely happens overnight and the old adage, "out of sight, out of mind" can still ring true. So for those who want to "hustle," according to Dimon, while working remotely, here are a few considerations to ensure you aren't forgotten.

1) Stay positive and work to build strong relationships

When you start out in your working career you often focus on the company. As you progress, it tends to be more about the people you work with. The relationships you build will get you through the tough times and help to highlight your professional accomplishments. Work to build sponsors and allies that are able to sing your praises when promotional opportunities present themselves. Networking still matters.

2) Ramp up your engagement

Now is not the time to pull back. In fact, extra effort is required to amplify it. Aggressively search out new ideas and opportunities. Email is tough and engagement is even tougher working remotely, however, actively participating in online events with a sincere level of enthusiasm helps you to stand out from the crowd.

3) Be prepared to make an appearance in the office

Doesn't mean all the time, but on the occasions when required - just do it and be engaged.

There are currently approximately three million Canadians who are working remotely and that number can vary depending on the various levels of lockdowns and restrictions currently in play. Some might argue this number is going to escalate as more companies embrace at least a split between the two locations.

We have all heard stories of employees threatening to quit if called back to the office. I will respond to that with a recent quote by my mom, "it is often easier to find a job when you have a job." That hasn't changed.

A transition in the workplace is happening and yet maybe not fast enough for you. While some companies still have yet to announce a back-to-work mandate, it is still up to you to take charge of your workplace options regardless of where you set up shop.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

BREAKING

BREAKING

Four people are dead and another is in hospital following a fiery crash in downtown Toronto that happened overnight on Lake Shore Boulevard.

A haunted house in the Ontario Town of Innisfil is causing a real scare for some people a week before Halloween.

The president and CEO of New Brunswick-based Covered Bridge Potato Chips is taking an 'extended leave of absence' after being charged with domestic violence this past weekend.

BREAKING

BREAKING

Quebec鈥檚 Bureau of Independent Investigations (BEI) is investigating after police in Gatineau, Que. shot and killed a man who allegedly stabbed an officer during an investigation.

Local Spotlight

He is a familiar face to residents of a neighbourhood just west of Roncesvalles Avenue.

A meteor lit up our region's sky last night 鈥 with a large fireball shooting across the horizon over Lake Erie at around 7:00 p.m.

Residents of Ottawa's Rideauview neighbourhood say an aggressive wild turkey has become a problem.

A man who lost his life while trying to rescue people from floodwaters, and a 13-year-old boy who saved his family from a dog attack, are among the Nova Scotians who received a medal for bravery Tuesday.

A newly minted Winnipegger is hoping a world record attempt will help bring awareness for the need for more pump track facilities in the city.

A Springfield, Ont. man is being hailed a 'hero' after running into his burning home to save his two infant children.

Hortense Anglin was the oldest graduate to make her way across the platform at York University's Fall Convocation ceremony this week. At the age of 87, she graduated with an Honours degree in Religious Studies.

Looking for a scare with good intentions this Halloween season? The ghosts and ghouls of Eganville, Ont. invite families to tour the Haunted Walk at Lekbor Manor.

The image of a sleepy Saskatchewan small town with 'not a lot going on' is a well-known anecdote. However, one Saskatchewan company is hoping to change that 鈥 and allow communities both on and off the beaten path to share their stories and advertise what they have to offer.

Stay Connected