5 ways to grow your career while working remotely

Remote work offers flexibility and opportunities, but it also comes with unique challenges. Without the daily face-to-face interactions of an office, how do you stand out, build relationships, and grow your career?

At TSA Group, we understand the concerns remote workers face, especially when it comes to career advancement. Research from Robin reveals that 62% of leaders view in-office time as important for promotions or salary increases, highlighting proximity bias in career decisions.

But we’ve seen many of our team members achieve incredible career growth while working remotely. Their success shows that with focus, initiative, and a commitment to your goals, building a thriving career is absolutely possible—even from a distance.

Start strong

Whether you’ve just started a new remote role or feel like you’re falling behind in your current position, it’s never too late to reset and regain your footing. Take the time to fully understand your responsibilities, ask questions, and build confidence in your role. Curiosity and a willingness to improve not only enhance your performance but also show others that you’re serious about your work and delivering results.

As Mitch, Training Delivery Manager, shares:

“When new team members ask questions and show curiosity, it’s a game-changer. It shows they’re not just clocking in—they’re here to learn, grow, and contribute. To me, that’s the hallmark of someone who’s serious about their work and ready to make an impact.”

Share your goals

If you want to move forward in your career, let your leader know your aspirations. Be proactive about asking for feedback and additional responsibilities outside your usual tasks. Mentoring new hires, helping with a team project, or volunteering in an employee resource group are all opportunities to showcase your leadership potential.

For example, Rei, recently promoted to Quality Assurance Team Leader, took this approach:

“I asked my Leader if it would be okay to join TSA’s Pride Council, emphasising it wouldn’t impact my productivity or day-to-day tasks. That kind of became a stepping stone into letting them know I was keen for more.”

Taking that first step can open doors and show your leader that you’re ready to take on new challenges and grow within your role.

Master communication

The chance to have a casual chat with a leader in the hallway or engage in a quick desk-side conversation may be off the cards, but your ability to be seen and heard is still within reach. At TSA Group, our internal social media platform provides a space to start conversations, celebrate wins, and build connections across the business.

Turning your camera on during team meetings, actively participating in discussions, and sharing your ideas are simple but effective ways to stand out. In our article, Back to Basics: Communication Skills You Still Need, we explore the many ways we communicate and offer practical tips for improvement. All of these strategies can be applied seamlessly in a remote environment.

Invest in relationships

Strong workplace relationships don’t happen by chance. They require effort and initiative. Don’t wait for someone else to reach out; take the lead. A quick check-in or kind word can create trust and camaraderie. Look for opportunities to connect beyond your role, like attending virtual town halls or joining after-work team-building activities.

Proactively schedule catch-ups with teammates or leaders, whether virtually or in person. If you’re near a local office, take the opportunity to visit when you can. These small actions can help you feel more connected and open doors for future opportunities.

Seek out professional growth

Career growth often starts with learning from others. Take the initiative to find a mentor who can share insights, offer guidance, and support your development. Reach out to someone in the role you aspire to and ask if they’d be open to discussing their career path and advice for achieving similar goals.

Don’t overlook the resources available within your organisation. Training programs and internal opportunities, like secondments, can provide valuable hands-on experience to help prepare you for your next step. Julie, currently on a Team Leader secondment, shares her experience:

“Being fully remote in New Zealand, I’ve relied on the incredible support of my leaders and teammates to grow. As an Agent, I was encouraged to step into a 2IC role, and later a Team Leader secondment. The support, resources, and mentorship I received—from training to mirroring the leadership qualities of my Team Leaders and Operations Manager—has helped me succeed. Leadership here means trust, open communication, and a team spirit that motivates everyone to be their best.”

Remote work may require a modified approach for career growth, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. By taking ownership of your development, communicating effectively, building strong relationships, and seeking out new opportunities, you can grow your career no matter where you work. Success is within reach— take that first step today and see where it leads you.

TSA are Australia’s market leading specialists in CX Consultancy and Contact Centre Services. We are passionate about revolutionising the way brands connect with Australians. How? By combining our local expertise with the most sophisticated customer experience technology on earth, and delivering with an expert team of customer service consultants who know exactly how to help brands care for their customers.