Development ideas for boosting remote working skills

The Remote Work Mastery Scale identifies key competencies required for effective remote work. Each of these competencies, from communication to self-management, can be practiced and improved through targeted development activities. These activities can range from structured training and workshops to individual practices and strategies.

Everyone has the capacity to improve their remote working skills. The nature of work and the very idea of what we mean by a workplace is changing, so our skills can adapt to meet those demands and opportunities. Our approach to skill development must be personalized and adaptable. With commitment and consistent effort, it's possible to continuously improve these skills, enhance remote work effectiveness, and boost productivity and work engagement in remote working environments.

Here are some practical suggestions for developing the skills in the Remote Work Mastery Scale. These recommendations are designed to be approachable, feasible, and adaptable to a wide range of remote work contexts and individual learning styles.

 

1. Communication

1A - Clarity:

  1. Practice writing exercises that focus on conveying complex ideas or instructions in simple, clear language.

  2. Attend virtual workshops or webinars on effective communication in remote environments.

  3. Practice giving and receiving feedback, focusing on precision and comprehensibility.

  4. Use communication tools that allow for clear and structured exchanges, such as shared documents, project management apps, and virtual whiteboards.

  5. Arrange for peer reviews of written and verbal communication to ensure clarity and comprehension.

1B - Responsiveness:

  1. Set up notifications on all work-related communication platforms to stay updated and respond promptly.

  2. Schedule specific time slots throughout the day to check and reply to messages.

  3. Practice effective time management skills to be more responsive without compromising on the quality of work.

  4. Establish clear expectations with your team regarding response times and stick to them.

  5. Use status updates on communication platforms to let others know when you're available and when you're busy.

1C - Proactivity:

  1. Regularly schedule check-ins with team members or superiors to share updates or ask for feedback.

  2. Practice active listening and questioning techniques to stimulate productive dialogues.

  3. Show initiative by proposing new ideas or projects, or by proactively addressing potential issues.

  4. Engage in team-building activities that encourage proactive communication and collaboration.

  5. Use digital tools to schedule reminders for regular updates or feedback sessions.

 

2. Communication

2A - Teamwork

  1. Engage in virtual team-building activities to build rapport and establish strong relationships with colleagues.

  2. Regularly share updates and feedback with the team to ensure everyone is on the same page.

  3. Participate in collaborative projects that require coordination and joint effort.

  4. Seek training on effective remote collaboration and coordination techniques.

  5. Practice active listening during team meetings or discussions to understand and respect everyone's viewpoints.

2B - Adaptability:

  1. Enroll in training programs that focus on change management and flexibility in a remote work environment.

  2. Regularly update your technical skills to comfortably use different tools and technologies required for remote work.

  3. Proactively seek feedback to understand areas where you can improve and adapt accordingly.

  4. Practice mindfulness or other stress-management techniques to build resilience in the face of change or uncertainty.

  5. Simulate different remote working scenarios to practice and enhance your adaptability skills.

2C - Problem-Solving:

  1. Take part in group activities that involve brainstorming or decision-making to improve your collaborative problem-solving skills.

  2. Engage in case study exercises related to remote work challenges to learn how to navigate and solve problems.

  3. Regularly communicate with your team to identify potential issues early and work together to find solutions.

  4. Learn techniques for facilitating effective group discussions or decision-making sessions in a remote setting.

  5. Leverage collaborative tools and platforms that aid in problem-solving, like shared whiteboards or idea management software.

 

3. Time Management

3A - Prioritization:

  1. Utilize task management tools or apps that allow you to organize and prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency.

  2. Participate in workshops or online courses that teach effective prioritization techniques.

  3. Practice setting realistic goals and breaking them down into manageable tasks to improve focus and productivity.

  4. Routinely reassess your task list to ensure alignment with your goals and adjust priorities as necessary.

  5. Encourage peer feedback on task prioritization to gain different perspectives and identify potential improvements.

3B - Scheduling:

  1. Develop a consistent daily routine that includes designated time for work, breaks, and other activities.

  2. Leverage digital calendar tools to schedule tasks, deadlines, and meetings effectively.

  3. Attend training on time management techniques tailored to remote work, including handling time zone differences.

  4. Practice discipline and adhere to your set schedule, adjusting only when necessary.

  5. Regularly review and optimize your schedule based on your productivity patterns and workload.

3C - Work-Life Balance:

  1. Set clear boundaries for work hours and communicate them to your team to manage expectations.

  2. Incorporate regular breaks, exercise, and leisure activities into your daily schedule.

  3. Learn and practice stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or meditation.

  4. Seek guidance or counseling if you're struggling to maintain work-life balance.

  5. Regularly evaluate your work-life balance and make adjustments as necessary to ensure both work productivity and personal well-being.

 

4. Self-Motivation

4A - Initiative:

  1. Regularly identify areas of improvement or additional tasks within your work scope and take proactive steps to address them.

  2. Attend self-development courses or workshops that foster an entrepreneurial mindset and a proactive work approach.

  3. Set personal targets beyond the minimum required and strive to achieve them.

  4. Solicit feedback from supervisors or peers on your initiative and implement strategies to improve.

  5. Practice decision-making skills to become more confident in taking action independently.

4B - Goal-Setting:

  1. Attend workshops or webinars on effective goal-setting strategies and implement these techniques in your work routine.

  2. Regularly set and track short-term and long-term goals, using tools or apps that aid in this process.

  3. Develop a personal reward system to celebrate achieving your goals.

  4. Seek regular feedback on your progress towards your goals from supervisors or peers.

  5. Reflect on past goals, assessing what worked and what didn't, to improve future goal-setting strategies.

4C - Perseverance:

  1. Engage in regular stress management activities such as exercise, mindfulness or meditation to maintain a positive mindset.

  2. Participate in resilience-building workshops or programs designed to improve perseverance in challenging situations.

  3. Cultivate a support network among colleagues for encouragement during difficult times.

  4. Practice self-reflection and learn from setbacks to build resilience and perseverance.

  5. Regularly reassess your coping strategies and make necessary adjustments to remain persistent in the face of challenges.

 

5. Technical Skills

5A - Digital Proficiency:

  1. Take online courses or tutorials to familiarize yourself with various digital tools and software used in remote work.

  2. Regularly practice using these tools to maintain and improve your proficiency.

  3. Stay updated with the latest features and updates of these tools to maximize their potential.

  4. Attend webinars or workshops that offer tips and tricks for effective use of these tools.

  5. Join online communities or forums where users share their experiences and best practices for using these tools.

5B - Troubleshooting:

  1. Enroll in basic IT courses that teach common troubleshooting techniques.

  2. Practice identifying and resolving common technical issues, using online resources for guidance if necessary.

  3. Create a reference guide for troubleshooting common problems to help you quickly resolve them in the future.

  4. Seek help from IT professionals or knowledgeable colleagues to learn from their troubleshooting techniques.

  5. Familiarize yourself with your device's settings and capabilities to better understand potential issues and solutions.

5C - Security Awareness:

  1. Participate in cybersecurity training specifically designed for remote workers.

  2. Stay updated with the latest cybersecurity threats and protection measures through newsletters, webinars, or online resources.

  3. Practice safe online behaviors, such as creating strong passwords, using secure networks, and not clicking on suspicious links.

  4. Understand and strictly follow your company's security policies and guidelines.

  5. Regularly backup important data and update your devices and applications to the latest versions for enhanced security.

 

6. Working Environment

6A - Ergonomics:

  1. Attend webinars or read educational resources on the basics of office ergonomics.

  2. Regularly evaluate and adjust your workspace setup to ensure optimal comfort and posture.

  3. Invest in ergonomic furniture and equipment such as adjustable chairs, standing desks, or keyboard and mouse supports.

  4. Incorporate regular breaks into your work schedule to stretch and rest your eyes.

  5. Use tools or apps that remind you to maintain good posture or take breaks at regular intervals.

6B - Resource Management:

  1. Implement file organization systems on your computer for easy access to digital documents and resources.

  2. Regularly update and maintain your hardware and software to ensure smooth operation.

  3. Keep physical resources organized and readily available, using storage solutions if necessary.

  4. Take online courses on digital resource management to learn efficient ways of organizing and managing your tools and files.

  5. Develop a regular schedule for backing up your data to prevent loss or disruption.

6C - Focus and Concentration:

  1. Create a designated workspace at home that is free from distractions.

  2. Use productivity tools or apps that help you stay focused, such as those that block distracting websites or set timers for focused work periods.

  3. Practice mindfulness or meditation techniques to improve your ability to concentrate.

  4. Set clear boundaries with family members or housemates during your work hours.

  5. Incorporate regular, short breaks into your work schedule to prevent fatigue and maintain concentration.