Abstract
The world of work-from-home (WFH) and work-from-anywhere (abbreviated WFX or WFA) grew more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies are now planning on permanently allowing WFX, with subsequent demand for specific skills. It is crucial to foster these skills in high schools, as students may enter the job market without attending University. Up-to-date analysis of the current situation is missing to align supply and demand by enabling educators to set goals and strategies to train students so that they will be able to mesh into a WFX setting. To address this issue, we collected complementary data using a case study (23 students), a questionnaire (616 students), and interviews with professionals and practitioners of the software development sector. Results suggest that information management, communication skills, autonomy, and resourcefulness are key competencies that enable professionals to succeed in a WFX environment. However, students feel less prepared in terms of communication skills; moreover, they lack time management and autonomy skills. Based on our results, we highlight recommendations for educational practice that educators can use in curriculum building to fill the gaps that emerged in this study to assure the effective development of the skillset demanded by current and future WFX conditions.