Maybe you’re considering incorporating hybrid or remote work into your organization. Or you need to hire someone to work from home. There are certainly advantages to telecommuting for workers and employers, but it also presents challenges.
How do you find someone who can work remotely effectively? The key is to know if you have the right skills for telecommuting.
8 soft skills needed for remote work
Internet connection and digital tools are basic pieces of equipment for remote work. But they alone are not enough to do an effective job. Soft skills play an essential role. Some of the most valued for remote work are:
- Autonomy. A teleworker must be able to move forward without constant supervision, organize tasks and solve problems independently.
- Time management. Knowing how to manage, prioritize and organize tasks to meet objectives and deadlines is essential.
- Clear and proactive communication. Even if your colleagues are far away, it is essential to maintain fluid communication through the company’s communication channels in order to coordinate, avoid lack of information or anticipate possible misunderstandings.
- Adaptability. In remote environments, it is common for processes, tools or communication channels to change. Knowing how to adjust without losing focus is a great advantage.
- Self-discipline. When working without direct supervision, it is essential that the person is able to comply with the established organization and avoid distractions.
- Active listening. Reading well what others are saying, paying real attention in online meetings and detecting unspoken needs facilitates better collaboration.
- Problem solving. Detecting blockages, finding solutions and staying calm in the face of unforeseen events boosts performance even in pressurized environments.
- Learning capacity. Each new tool or different process requires learning quickly and applying that knowledge at the right time.
Technical skills of a teleworker: the other essential pillar
In addition to soft skills, a team working remotely must have a minimum of technical knowledge to be able to perform the job:
- Fluent in project management tools.
- Proficiency in communication platforms.
- Ability to work in cloud environments.
- Use of automation tools or basic data analysis.
The balance between soft skills and hard skills allows you to work effectively from anywhere.
Do you want to know if your team is ready for teleworking? In The Wise Skill we help you identify the real skills of each person, detect areas for improvement and enhance the capabilities that enable effective remote work.Shall we talk?
