
Key skills every remote employee should have
Working remotely is more than just changing from the office to a home environment. It requires a special approach and a set of skills without which it’s easy to get lost, lose productivity or lose touch with your team. Here are the key competencies that are especially important for successful work in a remote environment.
Strong discipline and self-organization
With no manager around and no office structure in place, it’s important to be able to plan your day, prioritize and meet deadlines on your own. It is especially important to have a place that is an “anchor” workplace and does not distract you with household chores
Communication skills
Remote work doesn’t tolerate reticence. Clear, structured written and verbal communication helps to avoid mistakes and maintain effective collaboration.
Technical literacy
Knowledge of tools – from video calls to task trackers – becomes a must. The more fluent you are in navigating the digital environment, the less friction there is in the workplace.
Ability to work independently
A remote employee should be proactive and be able to make decisions without expecting constant feedback.
Emotional intelligence
Understanding your own emotions and being able to “read” the state of others via text or screen is an important skill for maintaining a healthy team climate.
Flexibility and adaptability
Changes in schedules, projects, or tools are commonplace. The ability to reorganize quickly is especially valuable in remote teams.
Focus Skill
Working from home means being surrounded by distractions. The ability to focus and stay productive is critical.
Working remotely is a skill in and of itself. But with the right approach and conscious development of these qualities, it can be not only effective, but truly comfortable.