The traditional way of working demands employees to be present in an office location. On the other hand, telecommuting allows employees to work from the comforts of their own homes.
According to research by Global Workplace Analytics, the number of remote workers has grown by 140% since 2005. On average, that’s around 10% per year. In 2021, telecommuting statistics showed a 22% increase in participants.
This post will highlight how remote teams and employees are benefiting today’s business as will as provide a list of tools which makes managing remote teams easier.
How COVID-19 Forced Employers to Allow Remote Working
As soon as the pandemic hit, almost every country went into quarantine, forcing companies to close their offices and manufacturing facilities. Businesses offered an opportunity for their employees to work from home or created a hybrid work environment.
Many organizations and companies made it mandatory for their employees to use protective gear such as gloves, marks, or even special suits for interacting with customers naturally, which resulted in too many complications for all types of businesses.
However, upon doing this, businesses soon realized that remote work was only possible if their profits remained intact. So, during 2020 (and 2021), most remote employees managed to perform their responsibilities, and businesses kept earning profits.
However, a few years ago, most employers would not give any importance to employees working from home. A crucial concern most businesses had for working remotely was a loss of productivity. But businesses and companies had to rely on remote and offshore workers to finish their projects and not lose profits.
Fast forward to 2023, many industries are now investing in remote teams and employees as well as outsourcing work to virtual teams worldwide. That’s incredibly profitable for startups and emerging businesses that may not have the budget or infrastructure to accommodate in-house teams.
Some of today’s top companies and organizations are managing remote teams for developing mobile apps, responsive websites, and content. Being willing to hire remote workers not only provides them access to a larger talent pool, but it also gives them a competitive advantage over their competitors.
In a time when many companies are having difficulty recruiting skilled people, particularly for highly technical or specialist professions, hiring remote employees is the safest bet for many businesses.
Thanks to the growing popularity of platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, recruiting remote teams for your IT and web/mobile development projects is quick and convenient. Other popular industries that are benefitting from remote teams and employees include marketing and finance. But the IT industry is getting the most out of remote teams.
Benefits of Remote Work for Employees and Benefits
Remote work offers advantages for both remote employees and employers. Companies can reduce their expenses, such as utility bills and infrastructure costs. In contrast, workers enjoy more time with their families and maintain a much better work-life balance. Not to mention that they no longer waste precious time while being stuck in long traffic queues.
Today’s workforce considers a ‘flexible schedule’ as a major reason for working remotely. The best part is that this main perk of remote work is making employees happier and more productive.
How Technology Benefits Remote Workers
Today, we have a whole list of tech apps that allow remote teams and employees to perform their jobs from any part of the world. Some of the most popular apps and communication tools include Slack, Zoom, and Skype. In addition, these applications include project management tools like Basecamp, Trello, and Asana.
Thanks to the growing popularity of these apps, teams no longer need physical whiteboard conference rooms for collaborating on projects.
There are a variety of tools that can help manage remote teams and employees effectively. Firstly, communication tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom can help team members stay connected and collaborate on projects in real time.
Secondly, project management tools such as Trello, Asana, or Monday.com can help teams assign responsibilities, organize tasks, and track progress.
Thirdly, time-tracking tools like Toggl or Harvest can ensure that team members are using their time effectively.
Additionally, file-sharing tools like Google Drive or Dropbox can aid team members quickly access and collaborate on spreadsheets, documents, and other files.
Finally, tools like 1Password and LastPass can help teams manage passwords and keep sensitive information secure. These tools allow remote teams to stay organized, productive, and connected.
With the right processes and tools, managing remote teams is easier than ever. Most virtual teams report that they share more effectively than in-house teams.
The Future Looks Promising for Remote Work
If we conduct a quick search, we see that many big companies are leading the way with this approach. For instance, Buffer, a company offering social media tools, comprises a team of 85 across 18 countries and allows remote staff to work from anywhere.
According to recent research, remote work options boost job satisfaction rates. According to Buffer’s 2023 State of Remote Work study, 91% of survey respondents preferred working remotely, with flexibility being the most crucial benefit.
Furthermore, in 2022, McKinsey polled 25,000 workers from various industries about their remote work experiences.
According to the report, flexibility is the third reason people seek when applying for new jobs. Other crucial factors include growth opportunities and better pay-per-hour rates. In addition, remote work is such a high priority for employees that 87% said they would accept the opportunity to work remotely if given the chance.
Other companies, such as Dropbox, decided to let employees work from home permanently and converted their office space into what they call the ‘Dropbox Studios.’ These offices are designed for team building and communication and provide a space for workers to use in need.
To monitor progress, establish a set time for online group interactions. In addition, remote staff meetings and brief daily check-ins help project managers evaluate progress and identify any issues.
Remote work will become more popular as work-life balance becomes more important to employees. For businesses, the positive outcomes of hiring a remote team include fewer expenses and more profits.
Final Thoughts
A remote staff is more productive and generally happier than your in-house team.
If you are looking for affordable remote software developers, hire the best software outsourcing partner who provide the best affordable services. In addition, remote hiring gives you access to a broader pool of professional and experienced developers at a global level.
You can build a remote software team solely based on talent and break free of several limitations you may encounter while hiring locally. Remote teams allow businesses to cut costs and enjoy increased productivity and a quick profit boost.
FAQs
What is a Remote Team?
A remote or virtual team comprises team members responsible for achieving predefined goals. It can work in a hybrid or a remote work environment. But typically, remote teams and employees do not meet in a conference room. Instead, they use technology to collaborate and discuss projects over the Internet.
How Do You Manage a Remote Team Effectively?
Establishing clear communication channels and expectations for managing remote teams effectively is crucial. Regular check-ins and meetings should be scheduled to ensure everyone is on the same page and address any challenges on time.
What are the Benefits of Working in a Remote team?
Research from the Harvard Business Review reveals that remote employees complete almost a whole day’s extra work/week than their team members in the office. That’s because fewer distractions and the flexibility to work during their most productive times allow remote employees to be more effective.
What are the Challenges of Managing Remote Employees?
The hardest part about managing remote teams is ensuring smooth communication, supporting collaboration, and maintaining productivity. Some challenges that may arise include time zone differences and technological limitations.
What are Some Tools that Can Help Manage Remote Teams?
Slack or Microsoft Teams can help team members stay connected and collaborate on projects in real time. Project management tools such as Trello or Asana can help teams organize tasks, assign responsibilities, and track progress. Time-tracking tools like Toggl or RescueTime ensure that team members use their time effectively. Finally, file-sharing tools like Google Drive or Dropbox allow team members to create, access, and collaborate on spreadsheets and documents.
How Do You Ensure Productivity in a Remote Team?
Ensuring productivity in a remote team requires a mix of communication strategies and effective management. Appropriate tools and technology can provide a smooth relationship with your remote teams. Monitoring progress and identifying problems in the production cycle also results in better productivity.
How do you Onboard Remote Teams and Employees?
Introduce new team members to your company culture and policies. Sometimes, you may have to provide training and support to these workers. However, the onboarding phase is much easier if you hire seasoned and professional remote teams with a successful track of delivering services to similar clients such as your company. Make sure that remote employees understand their roles, responsibilities, and goals from the beginning. Communicate your expectations for work hours, communication, and availability.
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