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Companies that fail to create an ideal remote working environment risk seeing their developers leave for employers who provide better conditions.
Here are 11 tips for managing remote software engineering teams so you can adapt and enhance hiring practices, communication techniques, and output of teams working from remote locations.
Why Hire Remote Developers?
One key advantage to hiring remote developers is expanding your talent pool globally - you now have more choices when searching for talent.
Furthermore, hiring remotely means no visa hassles or relocation packages must be dealt with.
Another contributing factor to digital nomadism is that many talented developers already work remotely; as employers, we must adapt to this trend of remote jobs for developers.
What are the Challenges in Managing Remote Teams?
Remote teams face an additional obstacle: asynchronous communication or complete lack thereof can result in delays, duplicate work, and incorrect requirements being implemented into products.
Developers sometimes adjust their working schedules to ensure more time between team meetings; this often results in irregular working patterns and overworking.
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Joint fails in a remote software team (and how to fix them)
Working remotely has become more prevalent for software teams, especially as technology revolutionizes our world.
Giving up traditional office settings for something as flexible as home or the beach offers numerous advantages, yet working from there also presents some obstacles that, if left unaddressed, could impede the productivity of remote software teams.
A virtual engineering team must be prepared to face and overcome all potential hurdles to its objectives for maximum productivity and achieving its goals.
Here are six common reasons for failure among remote software teams - as well as strategies on how they may be addressed:
Communication bottlenecks
Working remotely can increase teams' productivity, increase satisfaction levels, and save thousands per year while offering many other advantages to an organization.
Unfortunately, communication challenges often pose the most significant hindrance when managing remote software teams.
With clear and direct communication structures about WHO does WHAT and WHEN distributed teams can operate at peak effectiveness.
When communication fails to be crystal-clear or natural enough, misinterpretations of messages within groups and delays in project delivery could ensue; for example, if someone uses unfamiliar terms like local/regional terms or obscure phrases when relaying their message.
Team members should communicate frequently, provide regular updates about their tasks, and seek clarification whenever needed.
In addition, video conferencing tools offer real-time face-to-face interactions, which improve social cues that increase understanding.
(It is also essential to document the results of these video calls in writing to facilitate follow-up and ensure everyone remains on track).
Isolation
Working remotely as part of a software engineering team can be exciting: no commute, home comforts, and the freedom to work wherever.
But without enough social interactions with coworkers or employees nearby, working remotely can leave employees feeling isolated and lonely; according to one survey on remote work's state, 21% of freelancers and employees identified loneliness as their main challenge in working virtually.
Engineers working virtually must ensure they set aside enough time for human interaction to avoid feeling alone and isolated.
Socializing by visiting co-working spaces, attending social events or gym sessions, or visiting friends will boost social wellbeing and contribute to their wellbeing. If a team or company hosts physical, in-person meetups, remote members should be encouraged and allowed to attend. Such occasions foster team bonding while keeping anyone from becoming invisible within their respective group.
Furthermore, when discussing projects or work-related items between teammates, they should broaden their conversations beyond project updates and work-related discussions.
Learning more about each other beyond software development may help combat loneliness.
Do they talk with their families regularly, or are their weekends filled with sports and other leisurely pursuits? By building deeper connections among remote colleagues, getting to know each one better can improve relationships and foster team camaraderie on an individual rather than team level (at we host weekly Google Hangout meetings with all team members, allowing us to exchange random topics of conversation; sometimes focused around one specific issue but sometimes to chat).
At we also use Google Docs so all team members have easy access to documents containing code (for our users.) for getting things done efficiently (note that sometimes this involves talking about work-related matters).
Technical hiccups
Technology can often be the Achilles Heel for remote-first custom software development teams.
Co-located teams enjoy face-to-face communication without video conferencing or instant messaging (IM). In contrast, remote teams rely on technology for everything - unreliable technology can thwart goals quickly, hampering any remote team's attempts at reaching its objectives.
Organizations should invest in technical infrastructures capable of supporting distributed teams' functions.
Relying solely on limited tools or an unreliable Internet connection could result in nightmares that create unpleasant group collaboration experiences.
Distributed engineering teams need the right tools to address remote limitations effectively and efficiently. If an unintuitive or problematic tool becomes an obstacle in collaboration, switching it out immediately could prevent costly and time-consuming hiccups.
Various tools are designed to streamline communications and make remote work more fulfilling for a distributed company.
A distributed company should invest in reliable video conferencing software (e.g., Zoom or Google Meet), collaboration tools (e.g., Slack), project management applications like (which uses Zoom as well as Hangouts as video conference platforms, Slack for collaboration purposes (including sync/a-sync collaboration and itself for task/project management), as well as project/task management applications to ensure everything runs smoothly). Editor's note: at we use both Zoom/Google Hangouts video conference platforms as Slack/collaboration platforms; Slack provides collaboration tools while includes project and task management functionality (Editor's note: at we use Zoom/Google Hangouts as video conference platforms while provides for project/task/ project/task management functionality; handles this aspect).
Poor motivation
Working remotely as a software engineer may sometimes seem like working in the office; however, the two experiences are indistinguishable and need ample motivation to keep productive.
Co-located teams make it easy to recognize when one or more colleagues lack the energy or enthusiasm to carry out their daily duties; telltale signs include low energy, chronic lateness, and decreased interest in activities.
But working remotely, with video calls or email conversations as the means of communication, makes identifying disengagement more challenging.
Poor motivation among remote teams can be tackled through openness, honesty, and transparency. Engaging in positive dialogues between remote developers may identify and deal with any demotivating elements before forming further into problems.
The goals and roles of individual engineers on a team should also be clear so that each member feels empowered with a vision and purpose to meet their stipulated objectives.
Without clear shared priorities and goals, everyone may pull in different directions, leading to disconnection, demotivation, and unfulfilled obligations.
Interruptions
Working remotely often necessitates interruptions that cannot always be predicted or avoided - such as colleagues' children bursting through the door during live video calls, dogs barking uncontrollably, or the doorbell ringing unexpectedly.
Though team members should do everything possible to avoid interruptions - including allocating an appropriate working space and communicating their schedule - disruptions may still arise and be used as opportunities to demonstrate our humanity; such instances provide great chances for team members to form deeper bonds while creating bonds within themselves and developing deeper commitments within a group.
Absence of a remote culture
Building an effective distributed engineering team requires cultivating a healthy remote culture. If a distributed team does not share similar values and goals, achieving its company-wide objectives may become challenging.
Establishing company culture in an office where employees have frequent facetime for collaboration is more accessible.
Building one with team members living far apart may take more effort. Still, it is worth persevering for its potential rewards.
Success at remote work requires cultivating an atmosphere of discipline, thoroughness, and responsiveness among team members who must trust one another regardless of the distance between themselves.
Each engineer working remotely must share a common understanding across teams, irrespective of whether the company adopts an entirely remote-centric culture or has policies encouraging remote collaboration.
"Remote-first" culture refers to organizations where employees work from distributed teams without needing physical office locations, while "remote-friendly" refers to an organization that supports both forms of remote work by co-locating its staff but embracing remote working options as a solution.)
Management Advice for a Remote Software Development Team
Resolve these challenges by setting rules for the team. Stand-up meetings have long been utilized in SCRUM ceremonies and have proven highly efficient communication.
Hiring Dedicated Software Product Engineering Services developers with prior remote experience may also prove helpful since these candidates possess more excellent self-management experience and prioritize goals over working hours.
Trust between teammates, regular communication, and feedback make a difference, so here we have provided 11 specific strategies you can implement in your software development team to create an improved remote working culture.
Stand-up Meetings and Scheduled Communication
Establish a stand-up meeting time and include all team members. Due to being fully remote, video conferencing or text chat software such as Slack is necessary to hold such an assembly - this allows for timely feedback loops on progress made throughout the day and valuable face-to-face interaction between remote employees.
A well-run stand-up should last at least 15 minutes so participants can still complete their work afterward.
Set regular communication meetings where team members can come together and talk freely about ideas, decisions, and their general feelings about what's going on within your organization; these could range anywhere from once a week up to multiple dailies, depending on how information flows between team members.
However, be mindful of video fatigue. At Solitaire, their development team improved by shifting stand-up meetings to a written format - email summaries were produced during video meetings as a reminder for assigned tasks and clearly articulated responsibilities during sessions.
Over-communication is Crucial for Remote Teams
One key strategy for leading remote software development teams is "over-communicating." What this means is more than communicating as little as possible - doing this creates insecurity among team members and can create insufficient trust within a remote team environment.
Communication between remote team members is vital since you need more face-to-face interactions to build informal rapport. You could send follow-up emails after VoIP phone calls so all points are discussed thoroughly, and no questions remain unanswered.
Time Zones and "Common Time" for Synchronous Conversations
One key strategy for leading remote software development teams is "over-communicating." What this means is more than communicating as little as possible - doing this creates insecurity among team members and can create insufficient trust within a remote team environment.
Communication between remote team members is especially vital since you lack face-to-face interactions for building informal rapport. You could send follow-up emails after VoIP phone calls so all points are discussed thoroughly, and no questions remain unanswered.
Look for Proof of Self-Management When Hiring
Self-management is one of the essential qualities to look for in a software engineer. Achieving excellence requires someone who can think critically and creatively find solutions rather than be told exactly what to do.
Self-managers also understand other people's advice and act accordingly without unthinkingly obeying instructions and understanding why or how things must be done differently.
Straightforward Onboarding and Product Vision
An effective onboarding and product vision are necessary components for remote teams, helping reduce confusion among teammates about what the group will be working on and where their managers reside.
With clear expectations on roles and responsibilities and an understanding of company goals from day one (even during employee training), you allow new hires to hit the ground running faster without unnecessary stress.
Goals Above Working Hours; Goals That Inspire Results
Goals should take precedence over hours worked. You won't get more out of a team by working them for more hours; instead, focus on setting ambitious, measurable objectives to foster results-focused teamwork that brings happiness to employees rather than being stuck on a hamster wheel chasing more hours in pursuit of unrealistic dreams.
Studies have proven this correlation: employees work harder when staff goals align with organizational priorities, as reported by employees (46+ more productive).
Make sure your team understands what they're working on: Communicate clearly with any remote teams (or any teams for that matter) about the objectives and complexities of projects they work on, regularly informing them on progress made or obstacles encountered, or updating as progress occurs - that way you won't get blindsided when someone emails in asking for updates; you can proactively provide updates as they arise.
Tools That Support or Hinder Engineers
Tools are essential to software engineering teams working remotely; these must provide instant messaging, time tracking, file sharing, and scheduling functionality.
Notable remote software engineering team tools:
- Slack works perfectly when engaging external members as it features an inbuilt chat feature.
- Google Drive syncs files between devices for access from anywhere;
- Zoom provides user-friendly video conferencing that scales easily with team needs; you'll even enjoy screen-sharing functionality if required - making this the go-to webinar platform.
Invest in a Team Leader and Highlight Small Successes
Managing a remote software engineering team requires constant communication among its members, so an onsite person must connect with all team members.
They should take on tasks when needed and proactively provide updates; additionally, they will celebrate small victories to boost team morale by giving rewards or public praise in front of everyone on the team.
Team Feedback Goes a Long Way
Managers of remote software engineering teams must actively solicit feedback from the group as this helps build trust among team members while assisting new hires to understand their roles and responsibilities in the company and expectations for them.
This practice helps foster understanding among employees while building rapport among group members.
Building Trust With Remote Team Members
Since remote software engineering teams do not interact directly, team members must focus on cultivating trust among themselves through regular conference calls or short meetings in which everyone gets acquainted with how the group functions together.
This can be accomplished via regular conference calls or informal gatherings that enable all team members to familiarize themselves with how others collaborate on software engineering tasks.
Building rapport is another effective means of creating connection. One effective means is offering online tools enabling team members to share thoughts or input, provide feedback, and foster self-management among employees who may only be on site.
Annual Get-Togethers, Even If Everyone Can't Make It
Remote software engineering teams need natural ways of developing trust. One such means includes hosting annual get-togethers for their members to mingle and socialize casually while discussing individual project details on an informal level - providing ample opportunity for team-building activities and events.
Tools for managing remote engineering teams
Once we've explored strategies for team-building, let's delve into specific tactics for effectively Agile Product Engineering overseeing remote developers in an interdisciplinary team environment.
Coordinated Meeting Times:
Establishing regular meeting times becomes even more vital when working remotely than in an office environment. Participation at these meetings shows engagement with your project - leading to improved productivity and ultimately creating better projects overall.
To create an effective schedule, it's necessary to consider each team member and any clients or outsourced developers you plan on working with as well as your daily plan, weekly agenda, and monthly agenda - something we suggest using Google Tools or Doodle; there may also be alternative scheduling solutions out there available if desired.
Organize:
Following on from scheduling, we must ensure members of our teams remain engaged when not at the office. To do this, synchronizing your team can ensure optimum workflow results.
Idealistically, you assign each team member according to the skillset that best matches their strengths. Still, you should ensure everyone contributes their fair share so sections of the project reach completion on time and everyone remains motivated by each other's support.
Google Tools and Trello can assist here, while Basecamp may also be beneficial.
Synchronization:
Trello can aid team synchronization; however, consistent and clear communication are the real keys here. Make sure everyone agrees on a communication schedule as soon as possible.
Hence, everyone knows when and how often communication should occur.
Establish a group chat on professional platforms like Slack or Loom and encourage Participation. Aim for an informal atmosphere while communicating any updates that come up.
Also, promote communication with others so they feel like your team hears their voices.
Meetings:
Web chat can only go so far when it comes to communicating and coordinating effectively through text-only methods; often, holding video-based call meetings provides the best means of conveying ideas between colleagues and receiving feedback from one another.
Your team members will become much more engaged when they can see one another and feel seen, so while forcing members to turn on their videos may not be practical, making a suggestion could go a long way toward increasing engagement on this front.
Meetings may be more formal than text chatting and have their advantages; both forms should exist side-by-side for optimal productivity.
An appointment should only be called with clear objectives, such as checking in at the start or end of the day or providing updates that require communication; otherwise, they risk frustrating your team when their time could have been better utilized elsewhere.
Google Meets, Zoom, or Microsoft Team are three excellent video communication options worth investigating for team video communication needs.
Each has unique benefits that may help your group. Take some time to research to determine the one that suits your team the best.
Collaboration:
You can utilize meetings to foster remote collaboration. Appropriately done, remote collaboration can be one of the most efficient means of running any project.
A team collaboration meeting offers an ideal forum to brainstorm together, plan strategically for success in your endeavor, and take notes so that everything discussed remains easily remembered to act upon immediately.
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Conclusion
Managing remote engineering teams can bring many advantages. When executed effectively, it is invaluable in helping ensure any project's success.
However, how will you add team members as and when necessary? Soft Kraft offers support to assist any aspect of your project from its inception through completion, either remotely or physically.
Remote software teams can effectively produce superior products and drive company Software Engineer Product Meta expansion.
But, remote teams should avoid inevitable common missteps that might thwart their benefits of working remotely, including poor practices, outdated processes, or unreliable technology that prevent them from realizing those advantages. By employing effective remote methods with proper procedures in place and reliable technology solutions, a distributed engineering team - of any size - can produce top-of-the-line tech products.
Do you have any additional tips for how remote software teams could thrive? Share them by commenting below.
Team One-on-One Communication: Interpersonal communications between team members are equally as essential.
This allows your members to address any difficulties that might be too sensitive for group sessions and will enable you to check with each of them about whether their role aligns with their desired career aspirations and goals.
Key Takeaways for Managing Remote Software Engineering Teams: Leading remote software engineering teams is essential to making a positive difference within any organization.
However, managing them may present unique challenges due to people, time, or budget restrictions. By following best practices for overseeing remote teams of software development as well as investing wisely in team members' success, you can overcome any roadblocks on the journey towards becoming more successful as either an owner or team lead.
