Remote work changed the promotion game. The old rules about being visible in the office don't apply when everyone's working from their kitchen table, but new challenges emerged around how to demonstrate value, build relationships, and position yourself for advancement when you're not physically present.
A Stanford study showing remote workers are 50% less likely to get promoted is often cited, but it's worth noting that study was conducted before remote work became mainstream. The landscape has shifted dramatically. Companies that figured out how to evaluate and promote remote talent effectively gained a competitive advantage during the pandemic and beyond.
That said, getting promoted remotely does require intentional strategy. You need to be more deliberate about visibility, more systematic about documenting impact, and more proactive about relationship building. But it's absolutely doable — and in many ways, remote work can actually accelerate your career if you approach it strategically.