Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote and hybrid work options have become increasingly common, and it’s no wonder why. There are many benefits to being able to work remotely, from avoiding long commutes to having a more flexible daily schedule. However, while there are many pros to working remotely, does everyone truly thrive in a remote working environment?
While some personalities are naturally a good fit for remote settings, there are skills that everyone can work on to improve their experience working from home. Here are a few that have been especially helpful for our team at Viking Client Services.
Adaptability: Navigating Change & Unpredictability
Being able to adapt easily to changing circumstances is one strength that remote workers need. Flexibility is essential when it comes to learning new tools, adjusting schedules, and being able to hop from one task to another. It’s also important when it comes to the environment you’re working in. Depending on your type of job, you may be working from a quiet room some days and a noisy coffee shop other days. Being able to adapt to different environments while maintaining your focus is necessary for those who want to work efficiently while being remote.
Communication: Clear, Proactive & Effective Messaging
When you’re working remotely, clear communication is more important than ever—but it can also be more challenging. You can’t walk up to a colleague’s desk to ask a question or get clarification on instructions. You must make sure you are proactive when it comes to reaching out and getting the information you need from others. Additionally, communicating clearly and promptly will make your team even more effective. It’s easy to miscommunicate over messages and emails, so be sure you’re being clear and moving conversation to phone or video calls when needed.
Collaboration: Teamwork in a Digital Space
Working remotely often means that you do some of your work independently, but you also need to be willing to collaborate with your team. Just like communication, collaboration takes more effort when you’re remote. It relies on team contributions, with everyone sharing ideas and expressing concerns and opinions when working through a problem. Being willing to take this time to work with others through troubleshooting and brainstorming will make a stronger and more productive team.
Self-Motivation: Staying Focused Without Supervision
When you’re not in an office surrounded by others, it can be difficult to stay focused, especially if your work is not pressing. It’s helpful to get into a solid daily routine with your work. This could look like starting and ending at specific times each day, taking a lunch break at the same time, working from a specific location, completing tasks in a specific order, etc. Once you have these habits built into your daily routine, it’s easier to stay motivated and on track with the work you’re managing.
Time Management: Prioritizing Tasks & Limiting Distractions
If you’re working from home, it can be tempting to let yourself get distracted with chores around the house or other tasks you feel you could be completing. It can also be easy to drag out certain work assignments if you don’t feel the pressure from your boss or colleagues in the room with you. Time management is a critical skill that will support you in these challenges. Do your best to limit distractions in your environment and set timers for certain tasks to create the urgency and focus you need to be successful working from home.
A Strong Skill Fit Matters More Than Experience
At Viking Client Services, we recognize that success in a remote role isn’t just about having the right experience—it’s about having the right skills. We value employees who bring adaptability, communication, collaboration, self-motivation, and time management to their work, regardless of their industry background. That’s why we offer paid training and ongoing support to ensure that team members have everything they need to thrive. If you have the right mindset and skills, we’re happy to teach you the rest. Explore our remote opportunities to find a role that fits you.