The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic was a game changer in many ways, one of the most prominent ones being the switch from going to the office to working remotely. Since 2021, the number of employees who prefer to work remotely increased by 24% and those choosing hybrid work went up by 16%.

As companies shift to suit candidates’ preferences, building digital skills across the workforce becomes critical for long-term success. From software engineering to data entry remote jobs, employees need to be equipped with the right tools and knowledge to excel in a remote environment.

It’s mostly up to HR professionals and employee branding specialists to foster these skills in an increasingly virtual workspace. Keep on reading, as we’re about to go through training strategies that can help develop digital competencies across all departments, ensuring your workforce is ready for the digital age.

Why digital skills are essential for people who work remotely

The rise of remote jobs in different occupations,, from software engineer jobs to remote sales jobs, presented a unique challenge for HR teams. Unlike all traditional office environments, remote work requires employees to be tech-savvy, self-motivated, and comfortable with online tools and communication platforms. 

Challenges employees face when switching to remote work

We will not get tired of saying it - remote work has many benefits for your mental health. And while it's true, it also presents several pain points that HR professionals must address. 

Digital overload

Employees may struggle with navigating multiple tools that are a staple in remote work. For example, employees working in home office jobs must use various tools for communication, file sharing, project management, and time tracking. Apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams are used for seamless communication, while platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox help with file sharing and collaborative document editing. For project management, teams often rely on systems such as Trello, Asana, or Monday.com to organize tasks and track progress. Additionally, time tracking tools like Toggl and Harvest ensure that employees remain productive and on schedule, even when working remotely.
Balancing all these tools can feel a bit overwhelming for employees, especially those in entry-level or remote jobs with minimal experience, making comprehensive training essential.

Skill gaps

Remote jobs, particularly in tech jobs or data entry remote jobs, require specialized skills that employees may not have acquired in traditional office environments. Effective remote communication, for example, is a skill that can be challenging for employees in customer service remote jobs or remote chat support jobs.

Little to no experience in remote roles

A lot of candidates embarking on their first remote job journey may be concerned by the lack of in-person support, leading to frustration and decreased productivity. This may lead to 

Ineffective onboarding

In many cases, the onboarding process for remote working jobs is still evolving. Without proper guidance and training, new remote employees can feel disconnected or lost, reducing the potential impact of their roles.

What HR can do to foster digital skill development across remote teams

HR professionals are key figures in ensuring that digital skill development is a top priority. HR specialists can implement practical strategies to support remote employees in developing the necessary digital competencies. 

Here’s 5 ways how HR can facilitate the growth of digital skills across remote teams:

Provide clear onboarding process for remote roles

A strong, digital-first onboarding process is critical to ensure that new hires are ready to work efficiently from day one. HR should provide them with access to essential tools and training resources. A well-structured onboarding program with step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and live support will ensure new remote employees have a smooth transition into their roles.

Prepare structured digital training - both onboarding and ongoing 

To ensure that employees, whether in tech roles or customer service remote jobs, are equipped with the tools they need to succeed, HR can implement structured training programs. Start with foundational courses covering the essentials of digital communication, project management, and time tracking tools. As employees progress, offer more specialized training relevant to their roles, such as advanced data analysis for remote data analyst jobs or digital marketing strategies for marketing jobs. Using platforms like Google Classroom can help track progress.

It’s good to remember that digital skills need constant refinement as new tools emerge and the workplace evolves. HR should treat training as a continuous process rather than a one-time event. Offering online webinars, access to digital training platforms, or even providing an annual training budget can keep employees in roles like remote project manager jobs or marketing jobs up to date on the latest industry tools and best practices. This ongoing development helps employees stay competitive in their remote roles and boosts retention rates.

Encourage knowledge sharing

HR can foster a culture of learning by encouraging peer-to-peer learning and collaboration. Employees in roles like remote recruiter jobs or home office jobs can share their expertise on using digital tools, from Trello for project management to Slack for communication. Setting up regular virtual workshops or “lunch and learn” sessions allows employees to exchange tips, troubleshoot issues together, and learn about new tools or processes. This collaborative environment promotes a sense of community, even in remote settings.

Offer incentives for skill development

Motivate employees to take digital skills training seriously by offering incentives. HR can create a recognition system where employees who complete a set number of training courses or master specific tools like Dropbox or Jira receive rewards, bonuses or public acknowledgment. This not only motivates employees to keep learning but also fosters a growth mindset within the company, encouraging remote teams to continuously enhance their capabilities.

Foster a positive culture of continuous Feedback

Regular feedback is key to improving remote employees' digital skills. HR teams should schedule regular check-ins with employees in remote jobs to assess how they are progressing with their digital tool usage. Offering constructive feedback, alongside encouragement, can help employees feel supported and confident as they refine their skills.

How nPloy helps HR find top talent for remote jobs

Not to brag, but here’s how nPloy can help HR professionals hire remotely and find the best candidates for remote roles:

AI-powered matching algorithm

nPloy’s smart algorithm matches candidates and employers based on key factors like salary expectations, skills, experience, and job type, ensuring that the right talent is connected with the right role quickly and efficiently.

Anonymous recruitment

The platform eliminates bias and discrimination by ensuring anonymous recruitment, fostering more diverse and inclusive hiring practices, and helping HR teams create balanced teams that thrive in remote work environments.

Global talent pool

With a vast, diverse candidate database, named the Talent pool, HR professionals have access to top talent from around the world, making it easier to fill remote jobs in various industries, including tech jobs, sales, and customer service roles. Recruiters can filter candidates based on certain criteria and if they like someone, they can invite them to apply by sending a Match request.

Proactive recruitment

nPloy actively helps HR teams reach out to potential candidates, enabling a proactive recruitment approach, rather than waiting for applications to come in.

Employer Branding & Recruitment Marketing

nPloy’s subscription includes options for setting up a personalized campaign. Both employer branding and recruitment marketing efforts allow HR teams to promote their compelling job listings to the right audience and attract top candidates. 

Conclusion

As remote work continues to evolve, building digital skills across your organization is a strategic advantage that enhances employee productivity and job satisfaction. And if that sounds like something you’re ready to do, let nPloy help you find the best talents for your remote roles from all around the world.

FAQs

How can I ensure my team is ready for remote work?

‍Providing digital tools training, offering self-paced learning opportunities, and creating a structured onboarding process are essential steps to prepare your team for remote work.

How do I measure the success of digital skills training?

‍Track key performance indicators like employee productivity, engagement, and retention rates. Regular feedback and progress assessments can also help evaluate the effectiveness of the training program.

Can AI help with recruitment for remote jobs?

‍Yes! AI-driven recruitment tools, like nPloy, can match candidates with remote jobs based on their skills and experience, ensuring you find the best fit for your remote roles.