Skills and abilities to thrive in remote work: What have we learned

Area of Science:

• Organizational Psychology
• Remote Work Studies
• Human Resources Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly increased remote work adoption.
• Many employees transitioned to remote work without prior experience or organizational preparedness.
• This study examines adaptation and success factors in a newly remote workforce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors contributing to successful remote work experiences.
• To explore challenges faced by employees and organizations in remote settings.
• To provide recommendations for optimizing remote work environments.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews with 59 participants (Individual Contributors and Leaders).
• Thematic analysis of interview data to identify common themes.
• Exploration of individual, team, and organizational level influences.

Main Results:

• Identified key factors influencing remote work success and challenges.
• Highlighted specific skillsets beneficial for remote work, suggesting training needs.
• Pinpointed necessary organizational culture changes and policies for remote worker support.

Conclusions:

• Remote work success is multifaceted, requiring individual adaptation and organizational support.
• Targeted training and policy adjustments are essential for effective remote work environments.
• Findings offer practical recommendations for organizations navigating remote work transitions.