Providing a flexible work environment is crucial when trying to attract the top talent in your industry. Employees who work remotely are usually happier and more productive. It is estimated that by 2028, over 73% of the businesses in the United States will use remote workers. 

If you are entering the remote work world and want to be successful, then you need to focus on honing certain skills. Below are some essential skills you need if you want to become a great remote worker. 

1. The ability to stay motivated

One of the biggest advantages of working remotely is the flexible schedule it provides. Not having a boss or manager breathing down your neck can be nice, but it can also lead to productivity problems. If you want to be a successful remote worker, you need to realize the importance of being self-motivated. 

Without a manger-figure to push you and encourage you to finish projects, you may struggle to complete assignments on time. Instead of allowing these productivity problems to creep in, you need to focus on eliminating distractions and working in a designated space in your home. By establishing a work routine, you can maximize productivity levels and stay motivated. 

2. Using digital tools

The businesses utilizing the power and convenience of remote workers usually have a bevy of tech tools in place. These tools help businesses manage their remote team members and monitor their performance. If you want to succeed as a remote worker, learning how to use modern technology is crucial. 

Before seeking out remote work opportunities, you need to familiarize yourself with popular project management software programs, video conferencing platforms and instant messaging apps. The more you know about these commonly used tools, the easier it will be to make yourself indispensable in a new remote work environment. 

3. Establishing a work-life balance

Inexperienced remote workers fail to realize just how hard it can be to create a work-life balance when working from home. Developing workaholic tendencies is something that can create a lot of problems for a remote worker. Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you can’t unplug and enjoy some quiet time. Creating a work-life balance is not something that will come naturally. 

You will have to work on establishing boundaries and ground rules to avoid falling into the common trap of working all of the time. One of the best things you can do to establish a work-life balance is to create a daily schedule and follow it. Committing to starting work/clocking out at specific times is crucial. 

Informing your employer about your work hours is also important when trying to establish a work-life balance. If your employer has this information, they will avoid communicating with you after a certain time each day. If you do receive work emails or instant messages after you have knocked off for the day, wait to answer them. 

4. Great communication skills are a must

Communication skills are also something you need to be a successful remote worker. Without good communication, it will be difficult for you to fully understand what is expected of you. Remote workers that don’t communicate regularly with their bosses and other team members struggle to stay productive. 

If you want to improve your ability to communicate, then you need to consider doing things like:

• Ask clarifying questions
• Schedule one-on-one meetings with your manager
• Participate in daily team meetings
• Use the technology tools at your disposal to stay communicative

By implementing these tips, you can boost your ability to communicate with members of your remote team. 

5. Time management skills

As a remote worker, your main goal should be getting as much work done on a daily basis as you can. Accomplishing this goal is a lot harder than it seems. Working at home can be difficult due to the large number of distractions lingering around. If you give in to these distractions, you will find yourself getting further and further behind on your assignments. 

This is why you need to establish a home office that is devoid of things like a television or other distracting electronic devices. Making a to-do list at the start of your day and checking items off as they are completed is also a good idea. By doing this, you can actually visualize how productive you are being throughout your workday. 

You also need to take a few breaks during your day to give your mind a rest. Ignoring the need for these routine breaks can result in you making mistakes due to being worn out. 

6. Educate yourself about online security

The average remote worker will use a variety of online tools to get assignments done. You need to realize there is a large community of cyber-criminals looking for ways to steal your sensitive information online. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in your computer and the sensitive information contained on it being compromised. 

Educating yourself about common phishing schemes and malware software is crucial when trying to keep your data safe. You also need to make sure that the messaging tools and email apps you use daily utilize encryption technology. With the power of encryption, you can keep the messages you send to your employer and other remote team members safe and secure.

7. Improve your problem-solving skills

When working with technology on a daily basis, problems are bound to occur. Finding quick and effective solutions to these problems is vital if you find yourself in the midst of a technology crisis. Honing your problem-solving skills can help you become a better remote worker. Luckily, most of the information you need to solve common technology problems can be found with the help of powerful search engines like Google. 

Building the skills mentioned in this article will take time. The time and effort invested in becoming a better remote worker will pay off due to how valuable it will make you to your employer.