Although hiring offshore developers is not a new practice in 2022 it has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen an increase in IT-outsourcing spending and remote work around the world.
The global IT service spending is forecast to exceed $1.2 trillion this year — an 11.2% increase over 2020. This is combined with the expected $413.7 million IT-outsourcing market revenues for 2022. This, along with the fact that 16% are fully remote companies (that’s a 44% rise over the past five years), makes it more likely that you will interact with offshore developers.
While offshore hiring has its advantages, such as cost savings and quicker project times, it can also present unique challenges. Many of these include communication roadblocks or cultural differences. These differences and roadblocks can make it more difficult for in-house teams to overcome obstacles.
Many software development teams are already committed to Agile Web Development concepts, which can help them navigate the world of offshore collaboration. Here are 5 tips that will help you overcome the important but few challenges of working with offshore software developers.
1. Defining a clear scope of work
Even in the most basic workplace situations, poor communication can lead to problems. It is crucial to communicate clearly what needs to be done in order to get the job done. Is the development team clear about the project? Is the development team properly trained if it is long-term work? Make a project plan with goals and benchmarks. Also, make sure to put it all in writing. Did you make a decision during the stand-up? To ensure that everyone is on the same page, follow up by sending an email to everyone involved. This roadmap should include short-term deliverables. Perhaps this means working in two-week sprints, with a demo at the end to keep track of progress.
2. Check in regularly
Check-ins are essential for any remote work situation. This is even more true for software developers. These meetings can be short: A 15-minute “stand up” meeting at the start of each workday or week, along with regular calls regarding specific tasks or project groups, can keep everyone on the same page. Even if the team members live miles apart, brief meetings and as-needed demos can make it feel more collaborative. This can be helpful for teams working across time zones, and a workshop at the start of the project will set the tone.
3. Collaborate Effectively
Clear communication and frequent check-ins create a supportive environment. However, there are some things that must be adjusted from the norm for an office space. We mentioned a stand-up at work, but when does it start? What is the time difference between your manager and your software development team? You should create a communication channel that is both asynchronous and high-engagement. These are where messaging and project management tools can be of great help. Slack and Zoom are great for short chats and longer meetings. Jira and Trello allow for the organization of multi-step projects. Writing everything in a shared Google Doc can be used to tie together all internal stakeholders. Clear implementation is essential, regardless of the program used. All parties must agree on the “Definition Of Done”
4. Bring the outside in
Collaboration and communication should not only be between the developers but also the end-user of the software being developed. Interviews that result in case studies, focus group discussions, and user surveys are all designed to reinforce or reimagine what is being created. This shows how the management came to its decisions, and helps cement the project’s scope and roadmap.
5. Build Trust
Clear guidelines should be established for the work process, including transparency in onboarding and familiarization with the project. This should take into consideration cultural differences in communication and work ethic. What team members need to be able to use visuals? Which team members are more comfortable with a list? Which members are more task-oriented than which? How can you explain why changes are needed? Although some of these questions may seem simple and based on good communication, cultural differences can make the answers very different. Understanding your workplace culture is essential to building trust and creating a positive work environment. This will ultimately help you save time and money, and ensure project success.
