The three Ps of professionalism – regardless of location
The world of work keeps evolving. This isn’t exactly news, but the pandemic amplified, decentralised, and fast-tracked how we work, especially through remote and hybrid arrangements. Many organisations initially went remote out of necessity, and seeing colleagues in their home environments brought a refreshing sense of authenticity. Standards around professionalism shifted during this time, and rightly so, after all, we were navigating unprecedented circumstances.
But now, as hybrid and remote working are here to stay, it might be time for a refresher. Are the rules of professionalism still relevant if your office is a spare bedroom? CEOs, leaders, and HR professionals tell me they’re facing challenges with professionalism in the hybrid workplace.
Before we dig deeper, one thing is clear to me: hybrid and remote work are powerful tools for building an incredible Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and workplace culture. They offer benefits that, when approached intentionally, can create thriving, engaged teams. But professionalism? That’s non-negotiable regardless of whether you’re in the office or working from home (WFH).
What is professionalism in remote work?
Professionalism is a slippery concept to define because it shifts based on industry, organisational norms, and team expectations. Conservative sectors might have stricter standards, while others adopt more relaxed approaches. What is clear, though, is that professionalism is about how you show up - your behaviour, communication, and adherence to workplace expectations.
From my many conversations with business leaders and HR professionals, professionalism in remote settings boils down to three fundamentals. I like to call them the three Ps:
Presence
Poise
Pace
These principles apply equally to executive presence and virtual professionalism.
Driving remote professionalism with the three Ps
1. Presence
Presence, in its simplest sense, is about being present. If you’re joining a meeting virtually, switch your camera on, it’s the equivalent of showing up in a boardroom and joining the discussion. Keep distractions at bay, no Candy Crush during the team briefing, please!
And yes, appearance plays a role here. Personal stylist Nicole Vine shares a concept she calls "waist-up style." While hoodies might be comfy, they don’t exactly scream poise or professionalism in workplace meetings. A polished look, even remotely, can set the tone for how seriously you’re taken.
2. Poise
Body language speaks volumes, even in virtual meetings. Start by being mindful of how you carry yourself during calls. Are you taking other calls on mute while in the meeting? Are you flustered or disorganised? These behaviours can detract from your credibility.
Then there’s the classic remote work faux pas - speaking while on mute. Pay close attention to your cues and those of others to smooth communication.
3. Pace
Pace focuses on how you verbally present yourself. Are you contributing meaningfully to discussions, or are you holding back because it’s easier to stay on mute? If you do speak, is your language confident and clear, or are you belittling your input with apologetic phrases like “I just wanted to say...”
Also, be aware of your speaking speed. Virtual platforms can amplify quick speech, making it harder for others to follow along. Slow your cadence to make room for pauses and interruptions, this builds a more inclusive and professional dynamic.
Listening is also a critical element of pace. Virtual workspaces might feel intangible compared to physical ones, but that doesn’t make disruptions like flooding the chat box with unrelated commentary any less frustrating.
Why professionalism matters everywhere
At its core, professionalism isn’t about location. It’s about:
How you adhere to cultural norms.
How you show up for your colleagues and clients.
How effectively you communicate and collaborate.
Whether you’re at a kitchen table, shared workspace, or traditional office, professionalism reflects both personal integrity and respect for the team.
Gatekeeping norms with thoughtful strategies
Hybrid and remote workplaces offer immense flexibility, but they also introduce complexities around setting and maintaining expectations. Business owners, leaders, and HR professionals play a crucial role in bridging this gap.
If your organisation hasn’t yet articulated what professionalism looks like in remote settings, now is a good time to develop clear norms. These might include:
Defining expectations for video meetings (e.g., cameras on, appropriate dress).
Providing training or reminders about communication styles and inclusive language.
Role-modelling professional behaviours at senior levels.
Map these strategies back to your organisation’s values to ensure alignment. For example, if trust is a key value, leaders sleeping their inboxes overnight might want to clearly communicate that replies aren’t expected until business hours—this simple act supports psychological safety.
Support for fostering remote professionalism
Navigating professionalism in hybrid workplaces is nuanced - every organisation is unique, and solutions need to reflect that. The good news is, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Professionalism can be cultivated through intentionality, clear communication, and aligning expectations with workplace values.
If you’re ready to enhance professionalism across your team or organisation, I’d love to help. My tailored HR solutions focus on creating strong cultural norms that empower hybrid and remote teams to thrive. Reach out today, and together, we’ll ensure professionalism is part of your workplace DNA.