5 Tips on How to Work Effectively With Remote Developers
While working with a remote team can be more challenging than working with an in-house team, there are several strategies you can use to make the entire process go as smoothly as possible.
First, you should communicate regularly, which can prevent frustration and improve productivity. If you do not communicate often, you may end up confusing your developers and spending precious development time figuring out what to say and when. It’s important to create a regular communication schedule, even if you work on a project together, as well as set up time to collaborate.
One way to build trust with your remote team is to make sure that the project managers and developers are familiar with each other’s skills and personalities. To create trust, use a team-building activity, such as “Desert Island.” The manager picks five random objects, and the team ranks each of them from 1 to five. By following this game, you can build trust and respect among your team members.
If you are a manager, set up a clear communication channel to ensure open communication and teamwork. While an in-house team can walk into a manager’s office and see how things are going, a remote team will not be able to do the same. Regardless of how well you communicate, be sure to establish a dedicated emergency communication channel. If possible, block out specific times of the day on your calendar so you can stay in touch with your team.
Another way to ensure that your remote team is happy is to change their environment. Changing up the environment is an effective way to recharge the developers and keep them motivated. As Brian Petro, an Angular React developer with over 10 years experience in remote working, recommends, developers to take a walk every day for at least 10 to 20 minutes. Additionally, developers can engage in other activities that encourage outdoor activities.
When you have a remote team, it’s important to trust them. If you’re worried about the time they spend on certain tasks, make sure that you understand what they’ll be doing and when they should finish it. Remember to set clear deadlines and output expectations, and make sure your team is accountable. You should also make sure they understand how they will affect other projects and deadlines. A remote employee may not be able to ask questions in person, so make sure to explain your requirements clearly.
Keeping your team engaged is the key to success. Keep in mind that remote teams require some support, and a good manager can do that by providing guidance and support. Whether they’re working alone or in a team, managers should bring the entire team together for team-building activities. These activities can include internal conferences, annual celebrations in the HQ, or a New Year party. Having a central place to share updates and information can also make your remote team more engaged and productive.
