The COVID-19 Pandemic has significantly reshaped the way of living of people worldwide. From day to day commuting of the workforce to work from home, from spending most of the day in the office to balancing time for work and family. Everyone was forced to adjust to the new normal—some found it challenging, and others started preferring to work remotely because of its convenience and saving time and money.
As the restrictions in the Philippines are slowly easing out, companies are now slowly returning to their respective offices, and the roads are slowly becoming congested with commuters. But because of the still looming virus, people are hesitant to go back to face to face work. People are slowly getting interested in remote working, and we understand why. There are currently a lot of opportunities available in the remote work industry, and the pay is more competitive. Still, it is not easy for some interested because of the competencies needed to survive the work from home industry.
Here are some must-have skills every remote worker should have:
- Computer Literacy
To even start a remote work career, you must be knowledgeable in using the computer and some essential software such as Microsoft Office apps. Proficiency in programs related to your work industry is also a must. Remote workers should be comfortable using team chat apps and video conference apps such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Skype, Viber, etc. Of course, there will still be a learning phase. But still, an ideal remote worker should be familiar with them and must be willing to navigate them without guidance.
- Communication Skills
Remote workers’ clients are usually international, so good speaking and writing skills are necessary because most clients come from English-speaking regions. Aside from this, strong communication skills should include being collaborative and easy to reach. Even if you are working independently, you are still working with people from other parts of the world. Teamwork and responsiveness are necessary to work well and achieve common goals for the company.
- Adaptability
First, you must ready your mind and body to work in different time zones. As international clients work during their respective countries’ business hours, remote workers are the ones to adjust their work time. This means you can work early morning shifts or night shifts, and you must learn to manage your time if you work for multiple clients in different time zones. Second, yes, there are a lot of benefits to doing remote work. Still, everyone who has done WFH knows the everyday struggles of remote working. Aside from the stress you get from work, Filipinos, being family-oriented, have home duties—taking care of the kids and helping with the chores. Add the unwelcome issue of unstable internet, dogs barking, and other distractions. Despite these unavoidable hiccups, an effective remote worker should always be resilient to these problems. You must constantly adapt quickly to unexpected interruptions to not sacrifice your work quality and time. Make sure you make your clients feel like you can be counted on.
- Time Management Skills
Office work or remote work, time management is always necessary for an efficient and effective workday. Some clients like micromanaging, so they give your daily tasks and check them at the end of your shift. Other remote jobs do not need micromanaging and are results-based, so they can do whatever to use their time. To work efficiently, remote staff should learn to eliminate distractions, set their own deadlines, stick to them, and know when to take breaks. We can hustle hard, but health and wellness are most important.
- Independence
As remote working means that you work far away from your client, you must be able to work alone. No more office gossip and lunch out with co-workers. Basically, there is no one you can relate to and can comfort you about your work. There are some operating companies in the Philippines for remote workers where you get to talk with your fellow Filipino workers. However, suppose you land on a freelance. In that case, there is a high probability that you are on your own communicating with your offshore client, and it can feel lonely or intimidating. However, some people are more effective when they work independently and will find isolation a more conducive work environment for them. Make sure to find the right conditions for your own work preferences.
Are you convinced yet?
Due to the growing popularity of remote working, the industry is congested. Companies prefer applicants with a background in remote work. Hence, it is hard to land a job without prior experience. In that case, you can try applying to SUDOSTAFFING Inc., a Philippine-based company with clients in Australia. SUDOSTAFFING accepts applicants with no experience and trains them on the job before deploying to new clients.
Want to try remote working but unsure how? Check out our website for more information and to see our job openings.
SUDOSTAFFING is on a temporary work from home set-up but will return to an office set up in the near future.
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