How Can I Stop Feeling Invisible While Working Remotely?

[Root] Access is an advice column for questions about IT issues, career moves, and workplace concerns.

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Dear [Root] Access,

I’ve been working remotely for five years now. While I really appreciate the flexibility and not having to commute, I’ve started to feel a bit isolated. It’s not just about the physical distance from my team; rather, we’re not connecting how we used to.

Most of our video calls are strictly business, so there’s no room for the casual chats that happen naturally in the office. I miss those spontaneous office moments, like grabbing coffee or chatting about random things in the hall. Those small interactions made me feel more connected and like I was part of a team.

I want to strengthen my relationships with my co-workers, but after being remote for so long, it’s awkward to try something new out of the blue. I’m worried about coming off as trying too hard. Plus, I don’t know what works in a virtual setting—should I organize casual video hangouts or maybe start a fun Slack channel?

How can I rebuild that sense of connection naturally into remote work?

—Muted Presence

Dear Muted Presence,

You’re not alone in feeling lonely—far from it. A 2024 Gallup report revealed that 20% of employees experience significant loneliness in a workday. It’s a widespread challenge, and as you pointed out, it’s not just about being remote. People can feel isolated even in a co-located working environment if connection isn’t prioritized.

Related:Microsoft Teams Is Acting Up. What Can We Do?

But the reverse is also true: Some remote workers feel connected to their teams, and that’s not by accident. Connection happens when community-driven employers and teams actively design for it. Many use free tools like Donut to spark social conversations, or Twine for virtual speed networking. At my company, a manager set up a weekly social question in our group chat—things like sharing a favorite recent meal, what we’ve been reading, or a photo from a walk. These small, consistent interactions can be surprisingly meaningful.

I also value long-standing traditions in my all-remote company, like pairing new hires with seasoned team members and holding quarterly shoutout calls where we recognize each other’s contributions. These systems help, but they depend on organizational support. Without that, you must fill in the gaps yourself.

Start by flipping the question: How would you want a colleague to connect with you? Maybe it’s through a thoughtful message like, “I noticed your video background has a poster for a musical—did you see Wicked yet?” Or perhaps you’d enjoy an icebreaker at the start of a meeting, like, “Before we dive in, what’s a hobby you loved as a kid?”

Related:4 Best Practices for Hybrid Meetings

You mentioned that your team isn’t socializing like they used to. What’s changed? Beyond the pandemic, have there been shifts in the team dynamic, leadership, or co-workers’ lives? Reflecting on what’s different can help you brainstorm your next steps.

Remember, not everyone will want to socialize, and that’s okay. Start small with low-pressure opportunities to chat and see who responds. Relationships, including those at work, grow gradually. By reaching out, you’ll begin replacing loneliness with connection. 

More tips for improving your work experience:

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