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The core truth of mentorship remains unchanged - it is a powerful catalyst for growth, inclusion, and leadership development. However, the shift to hybrid and remote work cannot be ignored together with the impact it has on fundamentally altering the mentoring landscape. The spontaneous ‘water cooler’ moments that once seeded relationships are no longer a given.
This new paradigm demands not less mentoring, but a more deliberate, structured, and psychologically safe approach. We’ve gathered insights from HR and development experts on how to cultivate thriving mentoring relationships that bridge the digital divide.
Accidental mentoring has become intentional
Jasmine Mbye
Leadership and Organisational Development Coach
Cathy Hoy
CEO, CLO100
“Remote work hasn’t reduced the need for mentoring, it’s exposed how much of it used to happen by accident,” observes Francesca O’Connor, co-founder of Happy HQ. “On screen, those moments often don’t happen unless someone makes them happen.”
This call for intentionality is echoed across the board. Jasmine Mbye, a leadership and organisational development coach who has worked with organisations including the University of Greenwich, the NHS, Sussex & Surrey Police, says that remote mentoring, “Needs intentionality, regularity and clear communication and goals.” Success is no longer left to chance; it is built through scheduled commitment.
Cathy Hoy, CEO of CLO100, advises a dual approach to this structure: “Schedule regular, brief check-ins alongside your longer, more formal meetings.” These shorter, 15-minute calls can recreate the invaluable informal touchpoints, “This helps to build trust and keep the conversation flowing naturally, no matter where you both are working from.”
Building trust and safety through a screen
The cornerstone of any effective mentoring relationship is psychological safety, which requires extra focus remotely. “Video will also make it easier to build rapport and ultimately trust, which may require more time and focus to establish remotely,” shares Mbye. She strongly advocates for video over audio to observe body language and foster a personal connection.
Creating this safe space requires clear boundaries. “Making sure meetings are held in private spaces and distractions are blocked out is another vital consideration,” Mbye adds. The temptation to multitask must be actively resisted to show the mentee they are valued.
