BDO Professional Builds Remote Bonds

Without team lunches, outings or happy hours, building and maintaining close relationships with colleagues might seem difficult for a remote employee. However, where Document Processing Specialist Chelsea McMullen experienced challenges, she also saw opportunities.

The Beginning of a Winning Team

McMullen joined BDO’s Document Quality Center team in 2022 and was introduced to two fellow remote colleagues: Document Processing Specialist Alicia Brown and Assurance Professional Practice Paraprofessional Jennifer Martin. Their objective? To condense system and organizational controls reports to a more palatable memo-style format, providing better readability to auditors.

Thorough communication was necessary for each team member to understand which projects were outstanding without duplicating efforts. Without the option of knocking on each other’s office doors, the team experimented with communication styles until they discovered what worked best for them.

“One challenge I faced frequently when building professional relationships remotely was reading people,” says McMullen. “Communicating only through Microsoft Teams chats or email sometimes led to misunderstanding intention and tone. I learned I could best understand my colleagues by calling them when needed.”

Building Culture Remotely

In addition to developing best practices at work, McMullen’s team also made their team culture a top priority. During each weekly meeting, they began with an off-topic question to spark friendly debates, share details about themselves and allow their personalities to shine before diving into their agenda.

Soon enough, McMullen grew close with her colleagues. By the time she was planning her wedding, she knew she wanted both to be present. When the time came, Brown and Martin traveled from Columbus and Grand Rapids, respectively, to join 70 guests at a scenic outdoor ceremony outside of Cleveland, where they united in person as a team. There, McMullen was able to introduce them to the friends and family she’s told stories about — and even give them shout-outs during her speech. Brown and Martin weren’t the only special guests from BDO — Kelly McMullen, Experienced Audit Senior and Chelsea’s sister, also served as her Maid of Honor. 

Sharing Advice

Although working at BDO is McMullen’s first fully remote experience, she was able to build lasting professional relationships. She offers a few words of advice to professionals starting a remote role:

“As a new team member, you should not be afraid to call your colleagues when you need clarification. This builds connections and is a faster path to clarity. When you do make calls, try to have your camera on, especially if you are having a one-on-one conversation. We depend on body language and facial expressions in our personal lives, and it is no different in the professional space.

I also believe it’s important to beef up your social sphere. Because there isn’t a coworker next to you all day who’s ready to chat, explore multiple social outlets to ensure you’re fulfilled. Thanks to modern technology, you’re only one call or chat message away from meeting someone new. Don’t be afraid to reach out!"