One can observe that software development today is a field that is constantly changing.
Mandatory co-located teams are not a must-have solution now.
Due to advanced technology and a greater inclination towards remote and flexible working environments, remote software development teams have become more common.
Indeed, a FlexJobs report showed that a striking 63% of tech employees would like to have a remote work opportunity.
Although this change is advantageous—a diverse pool of candidates, higher employee satisfaction, and lower overhead expenses—it has certain disadvantages, mainly related to the problem of cooperation.
This guide delves into practical tips and best practices to help you navigate and optimize your collaboration with a remote custom software development company and its teams.
Communication Is Key
Remote work is heavily dependent on communication, which makes it highly sensitive to respective openness.
While interacting face-to-face, as would be the case in a co-located team, information can be shared through informal discussions in the kitchen, remote teams need deliberate communication.
Make sure the goals, schedules, and roles of everyone in the project are clear and readily available to all the members of the team.
Employ materials that show updates on the progress of the project and the individual tasks.
This creates awareness of the goals and objectives of the project so that everyone becomes a part of the project ownership.
Establish Communication Cadence
Regular team meetings are crucial for staying connected and aligned. Schedule a mix of daily stand-up meetings for quick updates, weekly progress reports, and dedicated brainstorming sessions.
However, avoid information overload. Utilize asynchronous communication tools like Slack or team forums for ongoing discussions, file sharing, and quick questions.
This allows team members to participate at their convenience and avoids time zone constraints.
Tools for Seamless Collaboration
With physical proximity out of the picture, the right set of tools becomes the cornerstone of successful collaboration.
Project Management Tools
Invest in robust project management platforms like Asana, Trello, or Jira. These tools offer centralized task management, progress tracking, file sharing, and communication functionalities. Team members can stay updated on project status, deadlines, and dependencies, fostering a collaborative workflow.
Version Control Systems
Version control systems like Git are essential for managing code versions, tracking changes, and facilitating seamless collaboration on codebases. These tools allow developers to work on different parts of the project simultaneously without the risk of overwriting each other’s work.
Collaborative Coding Tools
Platforms like GitHub or GitLab provide features beyond just version control. Code review tools, real-time collaboration features, and built-in issue tracking streamline the development process and encourage knowledge sharing within the team.
Communication and Video Conferencing Platforms
Invest in reliable video conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet. These platforms are vital for conducting online meetings and presentations, and for fostering a sense of connection among remote team members.
Building Team Spirit
Although physical communication cannot be fully mimicked, there is a way of creating team spirit and trust among remote workers.
Virtual Team Building Activities
Organize virtual team-building activities that can be done frequently. These could range from simple things like games and quizzes to virtual happy hours or work on other projects that are not strictly professional. These activities make people feel relieved and secure in interacting with other team members on a personal level.
Encourage Recognition and Appreciation
Remote workers can often feel isolated. Publicly recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements during meetings or through a dedicated communication channel. This fosters a sense of value and motivates team members.
Embrace a Culture of Feedback
It is important that everyone in the team is free to express what they feel and think about particular problems. Provide the opportunity to express suggestions, positive and negative. This leads to the development of a positive corporate culture where the team is always learning and developing.
Wellbeing of Remote Workers
Although it is good to encourage the productivity of your workers, do not forget about their health even if they are working remotely.
● Set boundaries and respect work-life balance: While working remotely, the boundary between working and personal life becomes less distinct. Develop cooperation and clarify expectations with the team members regarding communication patterns and strict working hours. It is important to respect personal time so that one does not get to a point where they are too exhausted to function.
● Offer resources and support: Recognize that remote workers face unique challenges. Provide resources such as online courses or subscriptions to relevant tools that can help them improve their skills or work remotely more effectively. Offer access to mental health resources or employee assistance programs if needed.
Final Say
By getting this right and applying the aforementioned tips, and promoting the principles of openness, team cooperation, and appreciation, your remote software development team shall be fine.
When managed effectively and equipped with appropriate instruments, your team that works in different geographical locations can perform outstandingly, and can even leverage distance as a competitive advantage.
(pic by unsplash, free licence)
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