Remote work might sound exciting at first. After all, it gives you the flexibility to work from home or anywhere else you want. However, humans are social creatures. Removing in-person interactions means new challenges that demand new skillsets compared to working in a traditional office job.
To remain productive, connected, and successful in the changing global environment, it is essential you learn how to balance your workload. Remote work has become a norm in the corporate world due to the pandemic and the ease of accomplishing tasks from the technology that enables it.
According to a survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 30 percent of American workers, or 41.6 million people, have the ability to work remotely. Nonetheless, specific skills are essential to being a successful remote worker.
A study by ETS research scientists found that “oral and written communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills are in high demand by employers, with particular emphasis on the pairing of oral and written communication.”
A New Era of Remote Work
The coronavirus pandemic not only changed how we live our lives but also how we work. Organizations across the world were forced to adopt a wide array of internal and external transformative trends, from new workforce models to employee well-being and company objectives. However, COVID-19 also proved the true potential of people and organizations under pressure.
Despite the early fears, remote work spurred by quarantine restrictions quickly rose in popularity and didn’t destroy productivity. In fact, several studies proved that remote work made people more productive. Perhaps, this is why an increasing number of employers are adopting and retaining remote work arrangements following the pandemic. While the flexibility of remote work can be incredible, it comes with its unique challenges.
One reason a lot of managers are hesitant to adopt remote work is that they fear employees will slack off without in-person oversight. However, the opposite happens to be the reality. Remote workers are more likely to overwork because their personal and professional life happens under the same roof. So, it becomes hard to switch off.
Furthermore, employees who have been working remotely for a while now may crave social interactions. Human beings. after all, they are social animals. A little physical interaction is necessary to stay emotionally and psychologically healthy.
Essential Remote Skills
Remote work is here to stay. With numerous organizations announcing the extension of their remote work policies, it is clear that this trend isn’t ending. Employees need a handful of essential skills to thrive in the remote work environment.
Time Management
The ability to manage your time is a valuable skill, mainly when you are working from home. You don’t have managers looking over your shoulder or coworkers motivating you to work harder. So, it is solely up to you to stay focused and make sure you complete whatever is assigned to you.
Consider using apps that are designed to boost productivity and track your time. Additionally, schedule specific times of the day for specific tasks, where you complete one task at a time. Turn off email and Slack notifications during these times to avoid getting sidetracked. It is also important to get a short break after each work sprint.
Self-Discipline
Remote employees should be self-disciplined and have enough motivation to get things done without the need to be monitored constantly. You should be a self-starter who doesn’t require much supervision. Ideally, you should be able to create your schedule, goals, and timelines and achieve those promptly.
Oral and Written Communication
Most communications happen through emails, Slack, texting, or video calls when you work remotely. This means you should master the skill to communicate clearly regardless of your platform.
When it comes to written texts, check spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Also, proofread emails before sending them. With every piece of text your send, you want to ensure you are using the right level of formality and tone.
Tech-savvy
Remote work means you will depend heavily on digital tools for efficient collaboration and work. For this reason, being able to identify, evaluate, and use the right tools effortlessly is a must-have skill for remote workers.
Make sure you stay current with the various digital tools and techniques. This will help you save time and be more productive. Consider also buying cheap prescription sunglasses online to avoid eye problems associated with staring at the screen for long, rather than the more typical method of shopping in a retail store that may not have as many affordable or would be limited in variety. Familiarity with a wide array of digital tools and platforms offers multiple channels for you to stay connected with your colleagues and clients.
Detail-Oriented
When working from home, you should be observant and have the ability to understand the goals, map concepts, and complete your work promptly. Avoid multitasking, understand specific positions, break larger projects into smaller ones, and complete them in a timely manner. Do these daily, and you will naturally become detail-oriented.
Get Ready for the Future
Building skills essential for the remote work environment will help you stay connected, productive, and engaged with your employers and coworkers. With remote work being the new normal, it is vital to adapt efficient ways to interact with one another and conduct business. To become successful, you should be able to navigate the new work environment regardless of where your work takes you.
