5 Remote Job Skills to Succeed as a Work-From-Home Professional

As the pandemic forced many companies to abandon traditional work methods and adopt the new normal, remote work has since become a popular mode of operation due to its efficiency and flexibility. Thanks to technological advances, employees from all industries can integrate and embrace the chance to work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. But with great flexibility comes great responsibility.

Remote work has its returns. However, to succeed as a work-from-home professional, you need to exude a specific set of skills to position you as a high-value employee and improve your chances of long-term success.

Why Remote Work Skills Matter

Remote work is ubiquitous and offers employees independence. On the other side, it also comes with a unique set of challenges that not every employee is equipped to handle. While working from home, you miss out on the one-to-one guidance from managers and co-workers. Remote workers must be self-sufficient, disciplined, and adaptable to succeed in a digital-first environment. The right skills can turn these challenges into opportunities, making you a reliable and effective part of any virtual team.

Discover our ALL-REMOTE Handbook, here!

Top 5 Essential Skills for Remote Workers

Here is the must-have set of skills that you can learn or hone to thrive in your remote job journey.

1. Communication Skills

This is number one on our list. PCS believes that remote work hinges on your ability to communicate clearly and efficiently. When you're away from the traditional office environment, it's difficult to get through to your colleagues, managers, supervisors or the team. You're basically on your own unless you have what it takes to put out your opinions freely and speak up when there’s a problem. One can alleviate their communication skills by making it a habit and using communication tools available online to regularly touch base with those at work.

PCS Toolkit: Connect & Communicate!

Did You Know?

2. Self-Discipline

Remote work is completely different from your office job. In a remote setting, no manager is looking over your shoulder. That means it's easy for remote workers to get distracted now and then. The deal lies in eliminating all those distractions that are silently killing your productivity, be it household chores, persistent noise, social media, or keeping an eye on kids while working from home. Self-discipline is what you need to beat distractions, stay focused on tasks and meet deadlines without constant supervision.

3. Tech Savviness

Remote jobs are prima facie incomplete without employees possessing some level of technical know-how. But you should know that being tech-savvy is more than just knowing how to operate your laptop. Remote workers often juggle multiple software tools for project management, collaboration and steady communication. Remote work often keeps you constantly glued to your screens. Hence, mastering these tools becomes indispensable. In today’s technology-driven world, building technology competence and staying on top of new technologies ensures you remain relevant and productive, no matter the task.

Fun Fact: Learning keyboard shortcuts and automation tools can save remote workers up to 8 workdays per year!

4. Time Management

The ability to manage one’s time proactively is a life skill that every one of us should master. In the world of remote work, time management is the key to balancing one’s personal and professional lives. Remote workers often struggle to separate work hours from personal time, making it problematic for them to manage their schedules efficiently. However, with proper mental preparation, task prioritization, setting boundaries, and using time-blocking tech apps, you effectively track your time and avoid the pitfalls of multitasking.

These are the Top Time-Management Tips for ambitious job hunters.

5. Adaptability

Remote work can sometimes feel unpredictable. Because in remote work, change is the only constant. From dealing with different time zones, and adjusting to new technologies to sudden shifts in workload, adaptability helps workers stay resilient in the face of change. As a remote worker, you should be flexible enough to handle unpredictable situations such as sudden client demands or technical glitches—without missing a beat. The ability to quickly adjust and stay flexible is key to maintaining productivity, no matter what comes your way. And the ultimate benefits to cultivating adaptability skills—problem-solving pizzazz and an ever- evolving mindset!

Challenges Faced by Remote Workers

While skills help remote workers thrive, they are not without challenges. One of the most common challenges associated with a work-from-home job is battling the overwhelming isolation that cripples your mind and body, leaving you out of tune with motivation and social engagement. It eventually leads to loneliness, which if triggered can affect your mental health and job satisfaction. We encourage you to set aside time to connect with work friends or engage in team-building activities to maintain motivation.

Additionally, another challenge that remote work poses is the constant hassle of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It is not only tricky when your office is at home, but also sometimes leads to burnout. Remote workers may sometimes feel "out of sight, out of mind" when it comes to career advancement. We suggest you keep a close eye on career growth opportunities and regularly schedule one-on-one meetings with your manager to discuss how you can succeed in your role and continue developing professionally.

Also Read: 7 Creative Remote Employee Recognition Ideas for Managers and Teams

Final Thoughts

A remote job requires reliable connectivity and a solid tech infrastructure, what’s even more crucial is cultivating all of these skills with the right mindset. By doing so, you can become a highly productive and fulfilled remote worker.

Patron Career Staffing offers a range of remote and contract-based jobs, connecting you with employment that suits your skills and provides the flexibility you need to thrive in today’s evolving work environment. Connect with us today!