How To Build a Remote Technical Team?

Introduction

In the modern business world, it is increasingly common for companies to have team members who work remotely. This can be especially true for technical teams, which often require specialized skills that may be difficult to find in a single geographic location. Data shows that remote work has become increasingly popular among tech teams.  The remote workforce is rapidly growing and working outside of the office. According to the Velocity Global Report, 72% of tech companies have remote employees. This figure rose from 55% in 2016 to 65% in 2017. These figures demonstrate the potential of remote teams to be effective and successful.

How To Build Strong Remote Technical Teams?

Building a strong remote technical team can be a challenge, but with the right tools, and processes, it is possible to create a successful and productive team that works remotely. Discussed below are some ways you can build a successful remote tech team:

Finding and selecting top technical talents: When building a remote tech team, it’s crucial to seek out individuals who possess the technical skills and expertise needed to excel in their roles. This means looking for candidates who have a strong understanding of relevant technologies and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. In addition to technical aptitude, it’s important to prioritize team members with a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and comfort with remote work. Recruiters can use online platforms such as LinkedIn, GitHub, Stack Overflow and Anglelist to source for top tech talents.

Outsourcing the technical interviews: ‘Interview as a Service’ refers to the outsourcing of the first few rounds of in-depth technical interviews to interviewing platforms or industry experts. To hire top tech talents for a remote tech team, employers can outsource their technical interviews to structured and proof-backed tech interviewing platforms like HireHunch. HireHunch provides a video interviewing platform with collaborative coding and whiteboard capabilities to help evaluate candidates’ technical expertise and knowledge through a panel of expert interviewers. HireHunch assists businesses in evaluating the skills of their candidates by conducting the initial round of interviews and shortlisting candidates for the final interview.

Onboarding and orientation for remote team members: Once you’ve recruited the tech team, it’s time to provide proper onboarding and orientation to help them start working efficiently. This process should include an overview of the team’s goals and mission, as well as introductions to the tools and platforms they’ll be using for their work. You should also make sure to clearly communicate your team’s communication and collaboration protocols, as well as any workflows and processes they’ll need to follow.

Defining workflows and processes: For a remote technical team to be effective, it is important to define clear workflows and processes. These should include instructions and guidelines for how work will be completed, such as the order in which tasks should be completed and how quality should be assessed. Workflows and processes should also include protocols for how team members can ask for help and provide feedback.

Choosing the right tools and platforms: Selecting the right tools and platforms is crucial for the success of a remote technical team. Some of the most commonly used tools for remote teams are project management systems (such as Asana or Trello), video conferencing platforms (such as Zoom or Google Meet), and file-sharing services (such as Google Drive or Dropbox). It is important to choose tools that are reliable, secure, and easy-to-use, so that team members can quickly understand and utilize them.

How To Set Your Remote Technical Team for Success?

Establishing clear communication and collaboration protocols: Clear communication and collaboration protocols are essential for building a remote technical team. These protocols should define how team members will communicate with each other, including the frequency and modes of communication. They should also include guidelines for when and how to collaborate on projects, as well as protocols for resolving conflicts.

Giving clear direction and feedback: Providing clear direction and feedback is essential for guiding your remote technical team toward success. This includes setting performance and outcome expectations, as well as giving team members timely feedback on their work. Keep your team informed about the team’s progress and offer guidance on how to overcome any challenges that arise.

Monitoring performance and tracking progress: To ensure your team is operating at its best, it’s important to monitor their performance and track progress regularly. Utilize project management tools and performance review processes to stay on top of things. Don’t forget to also provide team members with the support and resources they need to excel, including training and development opportunities.

Supporting remote team members: Supporting your remote technical team involves providing team members with the resources and support they need to thrive in their roles. This includes access to training and development opportunities, as well as the necessary tools and equipment to complete their work. It’s also essential to ensure team members have a healthy work-life balance and to address any issues or concerns they may have.

Conclusion

In conclusion, managing and building a remote technical team requires careful planning and attention to detail. By choosing the right tools and platforms, establishing effective communication and collaboration protocols, and promoting a positive culture, it is possible to create a successful and productive tech team that can thrive in a remote setting. With the right strategies in place, remote work can be a viable and rewarding option for both companies and employees. To build a strong remote technical team, you can check out the services offered by HireHunch, to recruit top tech talents.

FAQs

Q. How do you manage remote tech teams?

Several strategies can be effective in managing remote tech teams:

• Establish clear communication protocols and guidelines, including the frequency and modes of communication
• Use project management tools to track progress and assign tasks
• Set expectations for work hours and availability
• Provide regular feedback and performance evaluations
• Encourage team building and foster a sense of community among team members

Q. How to maintain effective collaboration in a remote team working environment?

Here are six techniques to maintain effective collaboration in a remote team:

• Align your remote team around a shared goal.
• Clearly define each team member’s roles and responsibilities.
• Promote healthy and open communication and sharing of ideas.
• Plan regular team meetings to discuss plans and solve issues.
• Utilize video conferencing tools to promote in-person interaction and collaboration.
• Promote empathy, transparency and positive culture among team members.

Q. How do you build a strong relationship in a remote team?

Some ways to build team relationships in a remote team are:

• Regularly communicate with team members, either through video calls or messaging
• Make an effort to get to know team members personally, such as by asking about their interests and hobbies
• Encourage team-building activities, such as virtual social events
• Foster a positive and supportive team culture
• Show appreciation and recognition for team members’ contributions and hard work.