If you’re considering hiring software developers, you should know that a remote team can be more productive than one working in an office.
Hiring remote developers is cost-effective, allowing you to select top-notch talent for your software projects. One drawback, though, is that you might be unable to check in with all your team members in real time.
If this doesn’t seem like a massive deal to you, learn how to manage a team of remote software developers with these simple steps.
Start by hiring the right team members
When you hire remote developers, it means you don’t have to hire people who live in your city. You can attract talent from different countries and time zones and choose the ones you want to add to your team.
Your goal should be to hire remote developers with the skills you’re looking for. However, you should also ensure they will fit your team and project well. Above all, look for developers for whom teamwork and collaboration are important values.
Prepare a great onboarding journey for new hires
Just because your software developers will be working remotely doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare an excellent onboarding journey for them. Since they will not be coming to your office, providing them with everything they need to start working for you is even more important.
Let them know who you are, what your company does, and what you expect from them. Provide them with all the documentation and resources they will need to understand your processes and culture and consider introducing them to your in-office employees.
Encourage a positive team culture
As you learn how to manage a team of remote software developers, make it clear to them that your goal is to foster a positive team culture. Encourage open communication and honest feedback. Make sure everyone in your team feels valued and empowered.
If you regularly host team-building activities for your in-office team, consider encouraging your remote team to join you for online activities. You want everyone who works for you to feel like they’re part of one big family.
Use a reliable project management platform
You need to use a reliable project management platform to manage a team of remote software developers. This platform should feature all the tools your developers need to communicate, collaborate, and work efficiently. Look for one that can support integration with other tools you already use.
Your chosen platform should also make it easy for you and your remote developers to automate workflows, set deadlines, update task statuses, and track the project’s progress.
Set clear goals and expectations for everyone in your team
Your team of remote software developers will be more efficient if everyone knows exactly what they have to do and when they’re supposed to do it.
Be sure to set clear goals for each team member and your project. Each goal should have realistic deadlines and be broken down into different tasks. Your project management platform will make it easy for you and your team to track which tasks have been completed and which ones should be worked on next.
Schedule regular check-ins with your team
After you hire backend developer specialists, you need to manage this team efficiently. You can’t simply give them instructions and wait for them to work without giving them feedback.
Be sure to schedule regular check-ins with your team so you can see how everyone is doing and answer any questions they might have. While you’re at it, you should also regularly review each member’s performance. Give them feedback and take a moment to celebrate their achievements.
Keep your team engaged and motivated
Celebrating the achievements of your team of remote developers is a great way to keep them engaged and motivated as they work on your project. It lets them know you value their efforts, time, and input.
If your developers want to expand their skill sets, consider providing them with training opportunities. Supporting their professional growth will ensure their satisfaction with their jobs.
Don’t micromanage your team members
Finally, remember not to micromanage your team. It’s normal to want to stay updated with their progress, but you should not be looking over their shoulder trying to control everything they do. You can be sure they would not enjoy that.
Trust them to do what they must and contact you if they need support or additional information. Employees who feel empowered will be more likely to enjoy their jobs and to be productive.
