If you are currently working remotely or about to take on a remote job, there are some essential skills you need to acquire to help you excel in a remote work environment. Building these skills will help you stay productive and proactive.
In this blog, we have curated a list of 5 important skills to set you up for success in a remote work environment. Read on
Ability to self-manage
When working remotely, you’re on your own much more than you would be in an office setting. Because of that, being able to manage yourself becomes an incredibly valuable skill. Be intentional about how you get organized for the week ahead, how you plan your days, ways you hold yourself accountable, and how you keep yourself on track if you find that you’re becoming distracted.
Ability to motivate yourself
Working from home requires you to be an expert in self-motivation to ensure that you meet goals and deadlines without requiring constant monitoring. You need to be able to hold yourself accountable for getting work done properly in a timely manner and working cohesively as part of a team without too much assistance from your manager. Being able to successfully motivate yourself means that you can power through the tougher days and still get work done even when you really don’t feel like it.
Communication skills
Virtual communication is much more than just Zoom meetings, Slack, and email. It’s about being able to speak, write, and listen well via phone, video, text, and email. An excellent virtual communicator has the ability to convey their message clearly across any channel, regardless of if it’s spoken or written. You need to be comfortable switching between platforms, which means both your speaking and writing skills need to be on point.
Problem-solving skill
Problem-solving is always a desirable skill, and it becomes even more valuable in a remote workplace. Even if problem-solving isn’t a part of your day to day work responsibilities, it’s a skill you’ll use more often than you might expect. For example in the office, if your laptop freezes you can ask a colleague for help or have IT take a look if they’re onsite. At home, it’s up to you to find a solution, and that’s where your problem-solving skills will become a necessity.
Ability to disconnect
Perhaps the most valuable skill for remote work is the ability to disconnect from work. With home and work being in the same place, it’s easy to lose sight of where one ends and the other begins. Being ‘always on’ is a direct path to job dissatisfaction, increased stress, and ultimately burnout. You need to create boundaries to be able to focus on work during business hours and also be able to fully stop at the end of the day.
We hope that these tips will help you achieve success in a remote work environment.
This blog was culled from Focus Insider Magazine
