We are all keen to move on from the pandemic (for a number of reasons). Still, there is one topic of conversation that continues to centre around the pandemic, and that is the almost instant global transformation to remote working.
There is no denying that the pandemic dramatically sped this transformation up and forced companies to go remote several years earlier than they had planned, if they had planned at all.
With remote working clearly here to stay, what competencies do we all need to enable us to be a successful remote worker?
You might like to list out the obvious but essential skills as follows:
• Ability to use digital tools
• Unrivalled communication
• Awareness and knowledge of cyber security
• Adaptable time management
• Formidable team work ethic (including cross-culture literacy)
• Resourceful with a self-motivated attitude
• Organised but responsive to change
However, I strongly feel that to be a successful remote worker it is much more about your characteristics being combined with the above skills. Whilst being a remote worker has many benefits, it is not as easy as it looks and requires independence, initiative, and a strong will.
No longer can people turn their chairs and converse across the office, nor can the ‘IT Person’ come up to your desk/floor and help you fix your IT issues; therefore, being resourceful and applying discipline have become critical requirements for success. Now that we are (largely) responsible for initiating (or at least contributing to) our own solutions, plans, and focuses, these characteristics are no longer desirable; they are essential.
Combine that with finding the ability to balance your working life and personal life (to ensure you avoid blurring the lines), and you are almost close to being the perfect remote worker!
Remote working was once a ‘taboo’ subject; now, it is our new normal and, to some extent, an expectation, but what truly makes a successful remote worker is passion. Competence is fuelled by passion and energy, and I genuinely believe that is the key to success, irrespective of your working environment.
We have all had to learn how to facilitate this change, but the benefits of remote working are clearly advantageous for both the employee and the employer.
With a mutually agreeable set-up and the right resources and tools in place, I fail to see how it cannot be successful (providing you have complete transparency over what successful remote working looks like for you and your employer).
Easy right?!
