Skills for telework

Abstract

Mandatory telework introduced requirements for performing activities remotely. Some were different from those required for voluntary telework. Being full-time at home brought substantial changes to the workers’ lives who were not adapted to this modality of work. This study aimed to identify the skills deemed necessary for teleworking. It was based on the perspective of 2,409 professionals working in 95 Brazilian public institutions. The results were divided into two central categories: hard skills and soft skills. Some of the features pointed out by the participants that needed to be improved were: being able to master the technological tools used to communicate remotely; productivity management; and time management. When gaps in expressing such skills are identified, relevant educational actions can be promoted. In addition, it is possible to leverage the benefits and reduce the risks associated with telework.