May 2020
5 Soft Skills Needed for Remote Working
Working-from-home will likely last long after the Covid-19 pandemic has passed. While remote working was already on an upward trend before, it was certainly not the norm. In 2018, only 5.2% of people across the European Union would regularly work from home and in the UK that number was even lower (4.4%). As government lockdowns required most workers to stay inside and work from home, many businesses, especially in the end-to-end supply chain sector have had to adapt.
This forced organizational shift may have changed the very nature of work for the future, as many employees have found they enjoy avoiding the commute and spending more time with loved ones. Moreover, many employers can no longer object to remote working as unfeasible. Already, employees are asking if working-from-home is completely out of the question when the world returns to some version of normality. In fact, 68% of UK workers say they are more or equally productive at home.
As expectations change, current and prospective employees will need to prove working-from-home is a valid long-term option. Here are five proven steps to increase proactivity at home that will see you succeed at remote working.
If the last few months have taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. Recognizing natural cycles in your business can help anticipate not only problems but also future opportunities.
By predicting potential challenges, you can find ways to prevent them occurring or how to navigate their impact if they do. Whilst risks always occur, and in some cases cannot be prevented, predicting these mean you can help mitigate their impact.
Using timelines to manage projects can help you understand that every decision is a link in a chain of events leading to the desired outcome. Build the foundations and then collaborate with your with relevant team members to ensure you deliver on projects.
When working from home, there are several ways you can participate. During video conferences, ensure you contribute to the discussion by adding valuable ideas. Volunteer to take part in company-wide initiatives or better still, start your own to create a large impact on the business
Do not procrastinate. Be decisive, take ownership of your decisions, and hold yourself accountable for your performance. The last thing you want is your employer to doubt you can deliver when working from home
Remote work demands a unique set of soft skills that go beyond technical expertise. Effective communication, self-discipline, adaptability, time management, and collaboration are crucial for success in a remote environment. By cultivating and honing these skills, remote workers can not only excel in their current roles but also position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly digital and flexible workforce.