In the evolving world of remote work, where traditional office hierarchies are giving way to digital collaboration, young professionals—particularly those from Generation Z—are navigating uncharted territory. Julia Haber, the CEO and cofounder of Home From College, a platform dedicated to connecting college students and recent graduates with gig opportunities, has emerged as a key voice in this shift. Drawing from her interactions with hundreds of remote workers each month, Haber emphasizes a seemingly simple yet profoundly impactful habit: proactive communication. As detailed in a recent profile by Business Insider, she advises remote hires to send weekly task updates to their managers, a practice that fosters visibility and trust in an environment where face-to-face interactions are absent.

This recommendation comes at a time when Gen Z, often dubbed “screenagers,” is redefining career expectations amid economic uncertainties and a cooling job market for entry-level positions. Haber’s insights highlight how the absence of physical presence can hinder career progression if not managed deliberately. For instance, without regular updates, remote workers risk being overlooked for promotions or key projects, as supervisors may default to more visible in-office colleagues.

Building Digital Rapport in a Virtual Era

Beyond weekly summaries, Haber suggests incorporating daily greetings and brief check-ins, such as quick messages on platforms like Slack or email, to simulate the casual interactions of a traditional workplace. These small gestures, she argues, help build rapport and demonstrate reliability, countering the isolation that can plague remote setups. According to coverage in The Economic Times, this approach is particularly crucial for Gen Z, who value flexibility but often struggle with the lack of mentorship in fully remote roles.

Experts note that while remote work offers autonomy, it demands heightened self-advocacy. A study referenced in various reports underscores that younger workers, despite their tech-savviness, are less enamored with fully remote arrangements than older generations, citing feelings of loneliness and missed learning opportunities. Haber’s platform, Home From College, has facilitated thousands of remote gigs, providing her with a front-row seat to these dynamics.

Overcoming Remote Work’s Hidden Challenges

The broader implications of Haber’s advice extend to career longevity. In an era where companies like JPMorgan, as reported in Yahoo Finance, push back against full remote work for its perceived impact on innovation and development, Gen Z must adapt to hybrid models. Haber’s weekly update ritual not only keeps tasks on track but also positions workers as proactive contributors, potentially accelerating promotions.

Critics, however, point out that such habits require discipline that not all young professionals possess fresh out of college. Yet, as Haber shared in her BizToc interview, consistency in communication can bridge the gap between remote isolation and professional growth, turning potential drawbacks into strengths.

Strategic Habits for Long-Term Success

Looking ahead, industry observers predict that as remote work solidifies its place in corporate structures, skills like those Haber promotes will become non-negotiable. For Gen Z, who are ditching traditional four-year degrees for blue-collar paths or gig economies, as explored in Business Insider‘s ongoing coverage, mastering remote etiquette could be the differentiator.

Ultimately, Haber’s counsel underscores a fundamental truth: in remote settings, visibility is earned through intention. By adopting these habits, young workers can not only stand out but also reshape how success is measured in a post-pandemic professional world, ensuring that flexibility enhances rather than hinders their trajectories.