13/10/2026
Remote working shouldn't mean feeling invisible.
I recently came across a post from someone who said they hated working from home. They lived alone, rarely saw anyone during the working day, and when they did go into the office, it was often empty.
But the bit that really struck me was this:
They wondered whether anyone at work would even notice if they went missing.
That's a pretty sad reflection on how disconnected some people feel at work.
Now, I'm a big believer in flexible working. For many people, it's been life-changing. But there's a difference between working independently and feeling completely isolated.
And this is where great management really matters.
As managers, we can't assume that because someone is delivering their work, attending Teams meetings and responding to emails, they're feeling happy, supported or connected. We need to be intentional about building relationships, particularly when we don't see our people face to face.
That might mean:
Making time for regular, meaningful 1:1s that go beyond the to-do list.
- Creating opportunities for people to connect with colleagues, not just attend meetings.
- Noticing when someone becomes quieter or less engaged than usual.
- Taking a genuine interest in how people are, not just what they're doing.
Connection doesn't happen automatically just because we're part of a team. It takes effort, thought and genuine care.
No one in your team should ever feel that they wouldn't be missed.
Managers, I'd love to hear your thoughts - What do you do to help your remote or hybrid team members feel connected, seen and valued?
