Remote working is becoming more commonplace thanks to a business video conferencing solution for IT such as BlueJeans and its economical and personal benefits. This does mean that recruiters for remote teams may be wondering what traits and requirements they need to look out for in their remote working staff. Some of the requirements and necessary skills are very different than they were in the traditional office set up. Not everyone possesses them or is able to make their existing skills transfer online. Look out for these traits when you are hiring, encourage them in your existing team, and try to use them yourself as much as possible as well:
1. Punctuality
It may be easy to assume that with no office to travel to and with flexible working hours, colleagues can get away with being late to the occasional online meeting or can upload their files at a time that is convenient for them. This is detrimental as online conferences still need to run on time and not run too long. Colleagues also need access to the files and information they need to do their own jobs within deadline. The Dummies Guide says that no matter the meeting format, arriving on time and leaving on time is always essential. Look out for staff that can manage their time well and understand the importance of deadlines and not holding other people up.
2. Patience
Good manners are still expected on a video call, not only as a consideration for others but to prevent meetings from being disrupted. Nerds on Site says that interrupting another person mid-speech is particularly rude and digital audio lags and time delays can make it even worse. You may set up a particular system for allowing others to speak, such as muting all microphones except the current speaker. But you can still maintain conversation flow free from conflict by choosing those who are patient enough to wait their turn, no matter how desperate they are to make their counter argument or express their opinion. It is also best to look for those who will recognize when they have been speaking for too long and will let others have their turn.
3. Computer Literacy
Modern conferencing systems aren’t as hard to use as they once were and are designed to be easy and accessible for all skill levels. A lot of people are even learning the basics through their social interactions outside of work. But looking for staff who are used to the software and how to use it are still preferable. They will not only know essentials such as how to solve minor technical issues and set up their webcams properly but will know smaller details such as muting their microphone while they are eating or drinking. It is possible to train new hires on using software they are unfamiliar with and good conferencing etiquette, but finding someone who will use it well from day one and not cause interruptions or disruptions to others is still better.
4. Compatible Hardware
Another way that conferencing software allows for ease of use is its compatibility with all sorts of devices. Users can access it through their personal devices without having to invest in specialty products. But some people still hang onto or prefer their older devices for a variety of reasons, which may be incompatible with more recent conferencing systems. It is essential, therefore, to hire people who are already equipped with the devices they need for conferencing so that they won’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive upgrades that they might not even want.
5. Reliability
Since you won’t be able to personally supervise individuals and will contact them only through e-mail or webcam, you need to know that you can trust people to do their work on their own without having to be constantly supervised or disciplined into doing their work. They may have to come to you occasionally for guidance or to solve problems but outside of your video calls, they should be able to meet deadlines and produce quality work on their own accord. The communication is a two way street so let them know that you are available whenever they need and schedule regular check in appointments. But leave remote workers to their own devices the rest of the time to complete their jobs and meet deadlines in a way and a time frame that works best for them. If they do make one mistake, inform them so that they don’t make it again. If they do, it could be a sign that they aren’t right for a remote team.
By looking out for these traits when hiring a remote team and ensuring all of your current team has them, you will construct a remote work force that can collaborate together on projects even from different locations. Be sure to use these traits yourself as well to benefit yourself, your work, and your entire remote team.