A few years ago, being seen at work for me meant arriving early, having breakfast with my manager in the coffee area and joining the morning chat before the day began. Today, many of those moments happen behind screens.
Hybrid working has changed how people connect, collaborate and build trust. The challenge now isn’t just doing good work but making sure it’s noticed in a way that feels natural and authentic.
Hybrid environments can make even confident people feel invisible. You’re contributing, sending updates, joining meetings, yet somehow it can feel like your presence fades when you’re not in the office. For some, visibility affects growth, inclusion and belonging.
Finding your voice in virtual spaces
Being visible doesn’t mean you have to speak the loudest and stand out, it’s about using your voice in ways that show insight, reliability and curiosity. In hybrid teams, this often means being intentional with when and how you speak up. If you’re in a meeting, turn your camera on when possible. It’s not about appearances, but about connection. Facial expressions and gestures help you come across as engaged and approachable.
When you contribute ideas, link them to shared goals. If your company is focusing on sustainability, for example, frame your suggestion as something that supports that vision. This helps others connect your input to the bigger picture. Sending short follow-ups after meetings also shows accountability and keeps your work visible long after the call ends.
Show your progress, not just your results
In hybrid work, people rarely see the effort behind what you do. That makes it important to communicate progress, not just outcomes. A quick message about what you’re working on helps others understand your process and priorities. It also encourages collaboration, as someone might have advice or a resource that saves you time.
Visibility is often about consistent small actions that build a reliable pattern. Over time, those actions tell a story of someone dependable and proactive.
Keep connection human
Hybrid workplaces can become overly task-driven. When messages are mostly about deadlines and deliverables, the human side gets lost. Building relationships takes a bit more effort when you’re not bumping into colleagues in corridors, but it’s worth it.
Check in with people outside of meetings. Ask how a project went or share something that made you smile that day. These small interactions build familiarity and trust. They remind people that behind every email or message is a person, not just a screen name.
Something to remember
The art of being seen in a hybrid world is about presence, not performance. It’s how you show up with thought, clarity and connection, whether in person or online. Visibility is about being consistent and genuine so your work and your character speak for themselves.
When people feel seen, they do their best work. When that feeling is shared across a team, it builds a culture of trust and respect. That’s the kind of workplace where everyone, no matter where they sit, can truly thrive.
