This is how to build a successful remote development team

Although the last few years brought quite a few challenges, it was also a period of reflection. A major cleaning. Not only privately, but also on a business level. Because let’s be honest, how long have you had to-do’s on your list that are screaming to be picked up, but are simply lying around. Not because you want to, but because you just don’t have the right (amount of) knowledge and expertise for that one software development job in house? A remote development team may be worth considering.

Why work with a remote development team

The majority of developers work from home. Whether it’s in their sweatpants with uncombed hair or you’ve put yourself through the car wash, it’s up to you. All of us are used to the concept of  working from home. Remote working, according to scientific research, is not such a crazy idea. In fact, the level of productivity and efficiency increase significantly. And you can achieve that same effect with a true remote development team. A team that works on your software development project from outside the office. A great, time- and cost-saving solution if you have been wanting to scale up manpower for a long time in order to really get that one development project off the ground. Moreover, working with remote developers can lead to innovative solutions to software challenges. Solutions that your own team may not have thought of before.

Tips for building a remote development team

Building a team at one location can already be quite challenging, let alone building a remote software development team. Looking to join forces with remote developers? Then take these practical tips with you so that you can take full advantage of the benefits of remote working.

#1: Communication is key

Just like any other relationship, communication is the key. Especially if you are working remotely with each other on the same software development project. There are plenty of tools to make communication as smooth as possible. Tools with which development paths can be organized, prioritized and managed. Tools that allow you to be in contact, to spar, and to switch 24/7.

#2: Project leader

A remote development team works on your development job. That requires the guidance of a preferably experienced in-house lead developer. By appointing such an expert to the project, you can get the most out of it. In addition to being a good communicator, the project leader must also be a conflict resolver. No lead developer in house? We’d be happy to help you with that!

#3: Provide connection

We love to connect, it’s simply in our roots. Especially since we work with each other from a distance, it is extra important to invest in the social aspect of the business. It’s all in the little things like asking about each other’s weekend (plans). Get to know each other, even one-on-one, involve each remote developer in the process, explain why what is being done is being done, and organize a digital Zoom-date once in a while. Make the remote development team feel like they belong to the full team. And, of course, arrangements can always be made for the team to come to the Netherlands or vice versa.

#4: Hire senior developers

If you’re considering joining forces with a remote development team, one of the motivations is often that remote developers are more friendly priced than domestic developers. Have you tied the knot for outstaffing? Then go for highly skilled software developers who have mastered your languages or framework. In an outstaffing scenario you can often get the best talent for relatively low(er) rates. We know another address.