The Art of Remote Work: A Manifesto for 2025
- Negar Amiri
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
Remote work, once a symbol of freedom and innovation, has grown... lazy.
What if I told you that the key to successful remote work isn’t technology or policy but something far simpler? Something human. What if we reimagined remote work not as a break from the physical office but as an opportunity to reinvent how we connect? Working from home should not mean working in isolation or diminishing the quality of our collaboration.
Let’s explore four small, radical acts that can reshape remote work—not just for the individual but for the collective.
ADD A PROFILE PHOTO
How many Zoom calls have you been on where all you see is a black screen or a random image of someone's pet? While I love dogs as much as the next person, I’d prefer to see your face. It’s shocking how many people don’t have a photo on their Microsoft account, Zoom, or even LinkedIn. And without one, I probably wouldn’t recognize you if we met in person. Why it matters: Human connection thrives on visual cues. Looking someone in the eye—even virtually—builds trust and fosters stronger relationships. Don’t make it harder than it already is by hiding behind a blank screen or an avatar of Fido. A face isn't just an identifier, it's a gateway to trust.
KEEP YOUR STATUS UPDATED
When tools like Teams, Slack, or Zoom show you as "online," most people assume you’re available and will respond within a reasonable timeframe (say, 30 minutes). But if you’ve been "active" for hours and haven’t replied, it sends the wrong message—like you’re binge-watching Netflix or online shopping. If you're in deep work or tied up in meetings, update your status to reflect that: "Do Not Disturb," "In a Meeting," or "Heads Down Working." It’s a small gesture that sets expectations and prevents misunderstandings. Why it matters: In an office, people can tell when you’re busy and won’t interrupt. Remote work doesn’t afford that luxury. Your status is the virtual equivalent of a "Do Not Disturb" sign—use it to protect your focus and maintain trust with your colleagues.
BE PREPARED
Whether you’re attending or leading a meeting, preparation is key. Test your microphone before joining, ensure your slides are ready if you’re presenting, and minimize distractions on your screen. Nothing kills a meeting’s momentum like hearing: "Hello? Can you hear me?" or "Wait, let me find the right document." Also, stay present. People can tell when you're multitasking. If you wouldn’t scroll social media or reply to emails during an in-person meeting, don’t do it virtually. Why it matters: In a world of endless notifications and competing priorities, grabbing and holding attention is currency. Your first few seconds in a meeting are like the hook of a great social media post—if you don’t make them count, your audience will mentally check out. People don't just listen to ideas; they listen to the confidence behind them.
TURN YOUR CAMERA ON (Controversial but essential)
Let’s address the elephant in the room: cameras. If you're fully remote, you’ve already saved time by skipping the daily commute. Use a fraction of that time to get camera-ready for meetings, especially if you’re leading or presenting. And please, don’t claim your camera is "broken" if it’s not. This is particularly frustrating with company-issued laptops where IT is there to support you in getting it back up and running. Why it matters: Much like having a profile photo, turning on your camera strengthens connections. When you turn on your camera, you're saying "I'm here. I'm with you." If you’re asking your audience to invest their time and attention, it’s only fair that you reciprocate with your visible presence.
Final Thoughts
Remote work offers incredible flexibility, but with it comes the responsibility to maintain professionalism and connection. It's not about where we work but rather how we work. And that how starts with our choices, habits, and willingness to show up.
As we move into 2025, lets commit to standing out as a considerate, engaged, and effective team member. Let’s make 2025 the year we elevate remote work to its full potential.