In correspondence with "what women want", as shown in the recently conducted RecruitMyMom Working Women's survey results (report release date to be announced soon), the majority of women in South Africa prefer hybrid and remote work models.
While hybrid and remote work arrangements offer flexibility and improved work-life balance, they also need a high degree of personal responsibility and self-management. This aligns with the World Economic Forum's remarks that motivation and self-awareness are two of the most critical skills for the future of work.
Why Self-Motivation Matters in Hybrid and Remote Work
The increase in hybrid and remote work in the job market means that employees are expected to manage their time, stay engaged, and deliver results without the structure of a traditional office. And, without a manager or colleagues physically present, staying motivated in a hybrid or remote role comes down to internal drive, resilience and self-motivation.
Those who thrive in hybrid and remote working settings tend to be:
- Goal-oriented and proactive
- Capable of managing their own workload effectively
- Disciplined in maintaining focus and productivity
- Able to work without constant supervision
- Have the ability to be able to prioritise tasks and responsibilities well
Employers value professionals who take ownership of their work and consistently deliver results. Self-motivation ensures that deadlines are met, business objectives are achieved, and performance remains high - irrespective of location.
The Role of Self-Awareness in Professional Growth
Self-awareness goes hand in hand with self-motivation. Knowing your strengths, recognising areas for development, and understanding how you work best allows you to adjust your approach to performance.
In a hybrid and remote work setting, self-awareness helps employees:
- Communicate constructively with managers and colleagues.
- Identify when they need support or upskilling.
- Develop structured work habits and routines.
- Manage stress and maintain work-life integration.
- Take ownership of their productivity and responsibility towards their role and employer.
For example, someone who thrives on collaboration may need to proactively schedule check-ins with colleagues, while a highly independent worker may need to ensure they don't become too isolated.
The Flexibility of Hybrid and Remote Work Requires Discipline
The freedom of hybrid and remote work comes with managing one's time effectively. Unlike a traditional office setting, where structured hours and direct supervision provide guidance, remote professionals need to create their own systems of accountability.
Practical ways to maintain productivity include:
1) Setting clear daily and weekly objectives
Collaborate with your manager to define achievable goals and prioritise tasks accordingly. Regularly communicate your progress and focus on meeting deadlines to ensure consistent productivity and meaningful contributions to the business.
2) Using digital tools to track progress and manage tasks
Use digital task and time management tools to organise your workload, track progress, and stay on top of responsibilities.
3) Establishing a dedicated workspace
A designated work area helps you stay organised and focused and maintain a professional mindset. Ensure your workspace is comfortable, quiet, and free from distractions. For working parents, a separate workspace sets clear boundaries with children and reduces interruptions. It also makes it easier to switch off from work when needed.
4) Setting boundaries to separate work and personal time
Maintain a consistent work schedule to establish a routine and build trust with your employer. Be available during office hours and communicate any changes in your availability promptly. This reliability supports collaboration, helps manage expectations with colleagues, and allows family and friends to respect your work commitments.
Employers Are Looking for These Skills
As more businesses turn to hybrid and remote work, employers are prioritising candidates who can demonstrate self-motivation and self-awareness, these skills now being just as necessary as technical expertise.
RecruitMyMom has long recognised the value of hiring skilled moms who bring discipline, strong organisational abilities, and an ability to work independently - essential for remote and hybrid roles.
How to Strengthen Self-Motivation and Self-Awareness
Self-motivation and self-awareness are not fixed traits; they can be developed over time. Some ways to enhance them are:
- Set personal and professional goals that will drive your motivation.
- Seek feedback to gain insights into strengths and development areas.
- Reflect on daily work habits and make necessary adjustments to ensure you deliver the productivity required.
- Build a routine that supports focus and efficiency at work.
The shift towards hybrid and remote work is not going away. Women looking to thrive in this environment will benefit from strengthening these core skills, ensuring they remain competitive in the job market. By showing self-motivation and self-awareness, candidates are valuable assets to employers seeking future-ready professionals.
If you're ready to explore hybrid and remote work opportunities, RecruitMyMom connects skilled women with businesses that value flexible and results-driven professionals. Stay tuned for the release of our Working Women's Survey report, which offers further insights into the South African workplace landscape.
RecruitMyMom's Working Women's Report for 2024 can be viewed here. We will soon announce the launch of the report for 2025.
