A Beginners Guide to Networking in the Workplace by Amy Ruffhead

Amy Ruffhead is a Digital Marketing Apprentice at Channel Four and is writing for the Community Blogging Team.

From working in a pet shop and completing my A-Levels last year, to securing an apprenticeship with
one of the biggest TV companies in the UK. I am grateful to be writing what will hopefully be
inspiring, engaging and conversation-starting articles for the community.
Happy reading!

As we move into a post-covid working world it’s become increasingly apparent that people in offices or in-person working environments are struggling to reconnect with colleagues after nearly two years of working remotely. 

A study completed by HSO (a company focused on how to drive improvements in a company’s business performance) found that after covid, 62% of workers would prefer hybrid working and 51% of London workers strongly agree that it’s ‘better for people’s quality of life to be able to work from home one or two days a week’. 

Networking before, during and after Covid has recently become a topic of conversation among employers as hybrid working often makes it difficult for whole teams to be in-person at the same time. Arguing that it makes it harder to form connections with your colleagues.

Why should you network? 
Networking can become one of the most valuable skills, as you learn how to develop strong professional relationships that could lead to referrals. It can also help you exchange ideas by meeting people at all professional levels and boost your professional confidence. 

My key advice on networking in the office 
I believe that the return to offices has changed the ‘definition’ of networking,previously it was focused on dedicated industry meet-ups and opportunist ‘what can you do for me?’ conversations. But from my experience, I think there is value in learning how to naturally build professional relationships to make your job easier and expose your skills to different areas of your business. 

1. Try to meet/ talk to people face-to-face
   The last few years have undoubtedly changed the way colleagues communicate and meet each other. But the opportunity to interact and get over that virtual barrier to building relationships with co-workers is valuable. 
   Try to introduce yourself in person.This makes it easier to build a connection when you can use body language and eye contact, and make sure you get your tone of voice and ‘personal brand’ across in a way that isn’t always possible over a Teams meeting or email. 
    
2. Aim for a win-win scenario 
   It’s the thought of having to ‘offer’ something when networking which is the hardest. But I have found aiming for a mutual benefit offers a great foundation to build things for the long-term. If you’ve seen a particular project they’re working on and it looks interesting, offer an extra pair of hands or your own skills and knowledge that could make their job easier. 
    
3. Similarly, try to make the most of ready-made opportunities
   Projects, particularly those that are across different departments are key opportunities to expand your network naturally. Especially if you are in the office, as it helps you to make the most of the chance to get to know the people you’re working with, and contribute to helping them achieve what they need.
   Volunteer on projects and opportunities that you think you would be a great asset too. Something that I found useful was speaking to my manager and letting them know what sort of things I was interested in.

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