Working from home isn’t just about getting your tasks done; it’s about mastering a whole new set of skills. From staying on top of projects to communicating effectively with your team, there’s a lot to juggle.
Luckily, there are some proven guides out there that can help you thrive. Check out these ten must-read books to level up your remote work skills.
1.“Remote: Office Not Required” by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
- What it’s about: Written by the founders of Basecamp, this book is packed with tips on how to excel in remote work. They cover everything from staying productive and motivated to building a strong remote work culture.
- Perfect for: Anyone new to remote work or looking to improve their current setup with practical and insightful advice.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re after detailed technical advice or highly specific tools and software recommendations.
2. “The Remote Work Revolution” by Tsedal Neeley
- What it’s about: Neeley dives into the strategies and tools you need to nail remote work. She backs everything up with solid research.
- Perfect for: Those who want to understand remote work best practices.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer more story-driven advice.
3. “No Hard Feelings” by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy
- What it’s about: This book explores how to handle emotions at work and create a positive remote work environment. It provides insights on boosting emotional intelligence, managing stress, and fostering healthy communication while working remotely.
- Perfect for: Anyone looking to boost their emotional intelligence, improve soft skills, and create a more positive and productive remote work environment.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re after more technical skills and specific remote work tools.
4. “Virtual Freedom” by Chris Ducker
- What it’s about: Chris Ducker shows you how to delegate tasks and manage virtual teams effectively. He provides practical advice on outsourcing, leadership, and building a successful remote team, helping you free up your time to focus on what truly matters.
- Perfect for: Entrepreneurs and managers of virtual teams looking for guidance on effective delegation and team management.
- Might not be your thing if: You don’t have team management responsibilities or are looking for more general remote work advice.
5. “The Long-Distance Leader” by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel
- What it’s about: Learn how to lead remote teams effectively with practical tips on communication, trust-building, and management. Eikenberry and Turmel provide actionable strategies to navigate the challenges of leading from a distance, ensuring productivity and cohesion within remote teams.
- Perfect for: Managers and team leaders looking for guidance on how to manage and support their remote teams successfully.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re not in a leadership role or are looking for general remote work advice.
6. “Work Together Anywhere” by Lisette Sutherland and Kirsten Janene-Nelson
- What it’s about: This book offers a roadmap for creating a productive and connected remote work culture. It provides practical advice on improving teamwork, communication, and collaboration in a remote setting, ensuring that remote teams stay engaged and effective.
- Perfect for: Anyone wanting to improve teamwork and communication in a remote work environment, looking for strategies to build a cohesive and productive remote team.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer solo work and are not interested in team-based strategies and collaboration.
7. “The Art of Working Remotely” by Scott Dawson
- What it’s about: Dawson shares his personal journey and practical tips for successful remote work. He offers relatable advice on overcoming the challenges and leveraging the benefits of working remotely, drawing from his extensive experience.
- Perfect for: New remote workers looking for relatable and practical advice on how to thrive in a remote work environment.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for more structured, corporate advice focused on formal business strategies.
8. “Distributed Teams” by John O’Duinn
- What it’s about: O’Duinn gives insights on building and managing distributed teams, with practical tips on communication, collaboration, and maintaining team cohesion despite geographical distances.
- Perfect for: Managers and leaders of remote teams who want to enhance their team management skills and improve remote collaboration.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re working solo and do not have team management duties.
9. “Surviving Remote Work” by Sharon Koifman
- What it’s about: Koifman covers everything you need to know about thriving in a remote work setup, from creating an efficient home office to maintaining mental health. He offers a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the challenges and maximise the benefits of remote work.
- Perfect for: Anyone looking for comprehensive advice on remote work, covering all aspects from practical setup to emotional well-being.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re after very niche advice focused on specific remote work issues.
10. “The Ultimate Guide to Remote Work” by Zapier Team
- What it’s about: This guide offers an all-in-one look at remote work best practices, with tips on tools, communication, and productivity. It compiles the experiences and insights of the Zapier team, making it a comprehensive resource for both remote workers and managers.
- Perfect for: Those wanting a thorough guide to remote work, including practical advice on managing tasks, using tools effectively, and maintaining productivity.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer books with a more personal, narrative style, as this guide is focused on practical and actionable information.
Enjoyed our recommendations? Don’t stop here! Check out this handpicked list of books on:
- How to improve your productivity
- How to handle burnout
- How to avoid distractions
- How to manage your time
- How to boost your creativity
- How to maintain a work-life balance
- How to keep your mental health in check
- How to balance family and work responsibilities
- How to deal with loneliness when working remotely
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