Remote work is the new normal.
In fact, approximately 42 percent of the American workforce remains fully remote almost a year into the coronavirus pandemic, according to a study conducted in 2020 by Upwork. The study also found that in the next five years, the number of remote workers is expected to be nearly double what it was before the pandemic began — increasing from 16.8 million to 36.2 million people.
So what do these statistics mean for companies looking for new talent? A remote talent boom is coming, which means companies will have to ensure they’re looking for traits that make a new remote hire successful.
Recently, Built In Chicago asked Steven Noto, director of engineering at travel rewards company Rocket Travel, to ask what he looks for in a new remote hire. Noto shared which trait the company specifically looks for in a new remote hire — ownership — and how it indicates they’ll be successful.
Steven Noto
Director of Engineering
Rocket Travel partners with loyalty programs around the world to make travel rewarding. Customers can earn and redeem miles, points and gift cards, or save money with exclusive discounts.
The key trait Rocket Travel looks for in a new remote employee: “In a word: ownership,” Director of Engineering Steven Noto said. “We look for people who are genuinely engaged with their projects and who are motivated to show tremendous initiative in delivering great results. We love working with people who show accountability to their teammates and customers, and who want to learn and grow and experiment.”
We look for people who are genuinely engaged with their projects and who are motivated to show tremendous initiative in delivering great results.”
Why ownership is important for remote work success: “Ownership is encoded in our company values of accountability, curiosity and community, and for good reason,” Noto said. “Good ownership helps you thrive when you’re in control of your working arrangements.
“Ownership helps you prioritize what you need to do for maximum success and creatively solve problems along the way. Ownership gives you the foundation upon which to strategize and plan your time, your tasks and your projects. And ownership is essential when you’re distributed from your team as communication and collaboration require conscious effort. In this way, ownership empowers you and your team to get the job done well and to share in its success.”
