Thriving in Remote Environments – 5 Essential Traits I look for in Candidates.
Thriving in challenging and remote environments requires a distinctive blend of skills and mindset that far surpasses the demands of a conventional workplace setting.
These unique qualities are what I have learnt to look for when finding great people for the most challenging jobs.:
1. Comfortable with long stints away from home
Working in Remote Sites typically involves long work rotations with very few days off, often in isolated locations with limited amenities. Often, communications can be limited and you will be in a different timezone to your family at home. You, and your family or loved ones, must be mentally prepared for extended periods away from home, immediate access to communications and the comforts of city life.
2. Work Well in Multicultural Communities
They must be able integrate into a diverse, multicultural workforce and be open minded without excessive bias or prejudice. You should enjoy the opportunity to work closely with people of different backgrounds and perspectives to your own. Learning and respecting cultural differences is essential for maintaining harmony on-site as well as interacting successfully with local communities and businesses. Those who succeed in remote locations enjoy the journey as they build relationships and adapt to different ways of working.
3. Possess a “Make Do and Get on With It” mentality
Remote sites don’t have the convenience of a fully stocked warehouse down the street, and what is available may be quite different to what you work with at home. Delays in logistics, limited access to replacement parts, and stuff that just isn’t available are part of the job. The best staff are those who can problem-solve, adapt, and continue working despite obstacles – not those who sit around waiting for ideal conditions.
4. A high level of patience, diplomacy, and respect Is Required
What works in a corporate office doesn’t always translate to a remote project site. The patience, diplomacy, and respect needed in these environments are at an entirely different level. You’re dealing with different nationalities, varying work ethics, and different levels of training and experience and often there is a need for YOU to learn something new, not the people or environment adapting to you (which will not happen anyway). Calm people who listen & think before talking and show patience go a lot further than those who try and achieve results by showing their frustration and being the loudest voice on the site.
5. Understand Why They’re Being Paid More
People often see the high salaries associated with remote work and think it’s just an easy payday. They forget that the extra pay is a direct reflection of the extreme challenges – the long hours, harsh environments, lack of luxuries and risk. As with any job, you need to take the challenge because it presents something bigger and more valuable to you than money alone. Those who are mostly financially motivated typically don’t last.
About the Author:
Wesley Nel is an entrepreneur, and remote site facilities expert with over 20 years of experience delivering site-based workforce solutions across Africa’s toughest mining, oil & gas, and infrastructure projects. After surviving a terrorist attack in Mozambique that claimed his brother’s life, Wes rebuilt from scratch – with a mindset forged in fire.
He believes success in challenging environments isn’t about credentials – it’s about character.
Today, he helps companies expanding into Africa the right way – without making the costly mistakes he had made and witnessed firsthand.
Let’s Connect
If you’re looking to expand into Africa and want to do it the right way – without learning the hard way – let’s talk. I’ve already paid the price, so you don’t have to.
➡ Visit www.forgesiteservices.com or www.remotecampsolutions.co.za to learn more about how Forge Site Services & Remote Camp Solutions can help.
➡ Connect with me on LinkedIn: Wesley Nel