In the past few years, the growth of remote work has been exponential and it is now a key part of many businesses’ operations. Therefore, HR departments need to prioritize finding and nurturing workers who are equipped with the necessary soft skills that make them effective when working remotely.
Skills such as communication, time management & multitasking are becoming ever more important for success in the remote work setting. This article will explore the various soft skills which employees must possess and master to succeed in this new type of environment.
Soft skills
Soft skills refer to a set of abilities that help an individual solve problems and carry out their daily tasks. These include social & communication competencies such as interpersonal, collaboration, and negotiation skills.
Soft skills, as opposed to hard skills, are not something that is learnt in a formal educational or professional setting. These skills can help you to be productive regardless of the environment or situation. Having a combination of both soft and hard skills will ensure the quality of work remains consistent throughout.
Soft skills are essential for success in a remote working environment. To get the most out of it, honing the following skills is important.
Effective communication
Effective communication is one of the most important skills for working remotely, as nonverbal cues are missed when working online. Leaders and employees must ensure their messages are clear and concise.
Both human resources managers and collaborators who work in this modality must ensure that they have effective written and verbal communication skills. Some of the key communication skills include the ability to listen actively, ask clear and concise questions, and be able to express yourself clearly and respectfully.
Self-discipline and Self-management
Working from home requires a certain degree of self-discipline and strong time management skills. People who struggle to demarcate their professional and personal lives may find it difficult to adjust to a remote working environment.
It is essential that HR develops initiatives to ensure employees possess the skills of self-management, and feel confident in their ability to work with little to no supervision from a manager. This ensures a smoother workflow while reducing workplace conflicts, resulting in higher quality and consistent work.
Flexibility
When recruiting for a remote job, HR managers need to look for those who can handle changes in the work environment and be available at different times. Flexibility is key when looking for collaborators who are willing to take on off-site assignments, as they must possess the capability to adjust to various scenarios.
Flexibility also implies being agile and thinking of creative solutions when facing challenges, which can provide a big competitive advantage for businesses that prioritize technology and innovation.
Team work and collaboration
Working from home does not always imply isolation. Quite the contrary, work done at a distance often involves collaboration between different team members in order to ensure successful completion of tasks.
When scouting for the right candidate to add to their team, employers should prioritize those who demonstrate proficiency in team collaboration and the usage of online tools. Additionally, good leadership skills and the capacity to assign tasks efficiently are essential traits for successful teamwork.
To better understand and cultivate this capability, it could be beneficial to explore organizational charts and other forms of work organization used in corporations.
Problem resolution
Working remotely has its own set of logistical problems that need creative solutions. Problem-solving skills are essential in making a remote work environment successful and productive.
Human resource managers should be on the lookout for talented personnel who have the ability to spot and remedy issues efficiently, with minimal guidance.
Problem solving skills require a person to be proactive and have the ability to take measures that can prevent a problem from escalating into a crisis. Knowing how to anticipate and address problems ahead of time is an essential skill in problem solving.
Adaptability
Mastery of skills such as flexibility and teamwork is essential for adapting to changing situations. The deciding factor for success lies in the attitude with which you face these changes.
Being prepared for any changes is essential in today’s fast-paced world. Having a change-ready mindset ensures that you can identify and anticipate trends in the environment, giving you more control over your business. It also allows you to create action plans for when those changes actually occur.
