Working from home can present unique challenges when it comes to skill development, but there are still plenty of ways to improve your skills while working remotely.
Schedule regular blocks of time dedicated to skill development. This could be as little as 15 minutes a day or as much as an hour or more, depending on your schedule.
Here are some tips to help you develop your skills while working from home:
Online courses
Online courses are one of the best ways to build your skills and can be accessed anywhere on most devices. There are courses available on almost any topic so you will be able to choose a topic that interests you and will benefit your career.
Your company may provide free access to online courses such as LinkedIn Learning or Udemy or a course provided internally. If not, there are plenty of free online courses available such as Open Learn from the Open University.
Plus, many courses often come with a certificate which is a great addition to your CV.
Webinars and virtual conferences
Virtual conferencing software such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams has made it possible to host conferences and events virtually. These may be hosted by your organisation, industry associations, educational institutions or even other firms. Attending virtual events can help you meet new people, network, learn new skills and keep up to date with industry news.
Collaborate with colleagues
It is natural that you may feel unconnected with your colleagues when working from home, it is important to continue to build professional relationships. This will help you develop ideas together, learn from each other, share practice and grow together as a team.
Take advantage of opportunities to interact with your colleagues albeit virtually to ensure you can work together to build skills.
Books and podcasts
Whilst many people read books as a hobby, reading books can be beneficial for developing your skills and knowledge. Reading can also widen your vocabulary, inspire creativity to help you develop new ideas and gather new information that may prove useful in your future career.
If you dislike reading books, listening to a podcast can be equally beneficial and also enhance your listening skills. Plus, podcasts are something you can listen to whilst working, out for a walk/run or even carrying out other tasks.
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Continue to network
Attend virtual conferences or join online networking groups to expand your professional network. Networking with others in your field can provide opportunities to learn new skills and discuss industry trends.
Use brain training apps
Brain training apps are a great way to keep your brain sharp, refocus your mind and take some time to destress. There are numerous brain training apps available on the app store which you can download for free. For example, Lumosity is a popular brain training app available as a free download.
Braining training apps can help you boost problem-solving skills and improve your memory, processing speed and concentration.
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