6 How to build relationships from a distance
Poor communication is often at the root of negative issues experienced in any workplace, but this is especially significant when remote working.

The next activity will help you to think about how you can encourage good communication from your colleagues.
Activity 4 Good communication
Watch Shauna Moran from Operate Remote as she explains to leaders what is recognised as a key cause of frustration in remote teams.

Transcript: Video 5
Now make a note of the ways in which you could help your ‘leader’ to communicate better.
Discussion
A key issue is lack of communication about key expectations, so you might have listed some of the following ideas:
- asking your line manager or supervisor to clarify their expectations for your work
- following up that conversation with an email summarising your understanding of their expectations and asking for confirmation that you have done so accurately
- agreeing a daily or weekly point of contact where you can report on progress and ask for feedback/support etc.
In a workplace situation, both informal and professional communication are important in developing productive working relationships. You’ll start by looking at the benefits of informal interactions.