What's it like to work with people you never see in person?

Remote work sounds simple until you're managing clients across time zones from another continent. In this activity you'll hear from a social media manager working from Brazil about what remote work is really like – and what it took to find a workplace that valued her.

This activity is designed to be flexible and can be used as follows:

  • During a lesson - 30 minutes. Students work in pairs and then share their reflections with the rest of the class.
  • During tutor time - 20 minutes. Students watch the video independently and then discuss one of the topics together.
  • As homework - Students watch the video on their own and complete the reflection at their own pace.

This activity supports the following frameworks:

  • Gatsby Benchmark 5
  • PSHE Association KS3 codes L4, L11
  • PSHE Association KS4 codes L8

1. Before you start

Take a moment to think about the following question:

  • Think about working on a group project with people you can't meet face to face - maybe in different cities or different countries. How would you communicate? What would be harder, and what might be easier?

If you're working with a partner or team, share and compare your thoughts before continuing.

2. Watch the video

v0001 square

Isabella Rugna - Social Media Manager

Isabella is a social media manager working remotely from Brazil for a startup. She collaborates with colleagues across countries - writing, editing video, recording content, evaluating designs, and coordinating strategy - all without sharing an office. She uses online tools and chat platforms to stay aligned with a team she rarely sees in person.

While watching the video, listen for the following:

  • How does Isabella stay connected with her team when they're all in different places?
  • What does Isabella say is the hardest thing about working remotely - and why does she still prefer it?

3. Reflect and discuss

First, add a personal reflection based on the following:

  • What is one thing about Isabella's way of working that surprised you or that you hadn't considered before?

Next, think about the following and discuss with your partner or group:

  • Isabella says the hardest part of remote work is not seeing your colleagues and building in-person relationships. But she also says she loves the freedom it gives her. What do you think you'd gain and lose from working this way? Would it suit you?
  • Isabella's job involves writing, video editing, design evaluation, strategy, brainstorming, and recording content at locations - not just posting on social media. Does that change what you thought a social media manager does? What skills would you need that you might not expect?
  • Isabella says that being young and female meant people didn't always take her seriously - "I thought for a long time you had to have grey hair." What changed was finding a workplace where she felt valued. Why do you think the environment you work in matters as much as the work itself?