In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the way we work is undergoing a significant transformation. Remote work and freelancing have become the new norm, bringing a pool of highly skilled professionals to the fingertips of companies worldwide.
With 16% of businesses now fully remote and a staggering 1.57 billion freelancers globally, comprising nearly half of the global workforce (46.4%), it's evident that this trend is here to stay. It is no secret that technology giants such as Google have a significant number of contract workers, with 54% of the workforce at Google comprising freelancers, exceeding the number of permanent employees of 46%.
First and foremost, it's crucial to acknowledge the value that remote developers bring to your tech team. These professionals offer flexibility, specialised skills, and the ability to scale your workforce based on project requirements. Embracing the contracting model allows your business to tap into a global talent pool, bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the table. Understanding and harnessing the potential of contract workers lay the foundation for a seamless and prosperous integration process.
So, how can your business successfully integrate remote developers into your current tech team?
Over my years of experience in recruiting, I have had the opportunity to witness and facilitate the integration of numerous developers into clients' teams. The process involves managing both parties' expectations to ensure a successful collaboration that benefits all parties involved. Here are some valuable insights I've gathered along the way:
1. Seamless Integration: Ensuring an Effective Onboarding
Once you've identified the right remote talent to join your team (by the way Index.dev can help you build a full-time, scalable tech team of trusted and skilled remote engineers), a seamless onboarding process is vital.
Treat contracting developers as an extension of your in-house team and ensure that they receive all necessary information and resources to hit the ground running. Provide access to all project-related documents, guidelines, and communication channels to foster a sense of belonging from day one. Introducing them to key team members and outlining their roles and responsibilities clearly will instil confidence and create a positive foundation for their journey with your company.
2. Bridge the Gap: Mastering Effective Communication with Your Team
Communication is the backbone of any successful team, whether remote or in-house.
With remote developers dispersed across various locations, maintaining clear and consistent communication becomes even more critical. Leverage collaboration tools like video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management platforms to keep everyone connected. Schedule regular team meetings to discuss progress, address concerns, and share updates. Effective communication not only ensures a smooth workflow but also fosters camaraderie among team members.
3. From Chaos to Clarity: Harnessing the Power of Project Management Tools
To keep the team's efforts in sync, invest in robust project management tools. When your tech team, both contractors and permanent employees, works within the same project management ecosystem, it promotes transparency and accountability. Having a centralised platform also aids in easy access to project-related information and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
4. Thriving Together: Empowering Teams with Regular Feedback and Reviews
Feedback is a powerful tool for growth and improvement. Provide regular feedback to your contractors, just as you do with your permanent team members. Constructive feedback helps them understand their strengths and areas of improvement, leading to enhanced productivity and job satisfaction. In addition to informal feedback, conduct periodic performance reviews to assess their contributions and discuss future goals. This practice not only helps them to align their efforts with your business objectives but also shows that you value their contributions.
5. Embracing Play: Extending Team-Building Activities for Maximum Impact
Team-building activities are not limited to in-house employees only. Include your contract developers in team-building exercises to create a cohesive and collaborative work environment. Virtual team-building activities, such as online games, virtual coffee breaks, or brainstorming sessions, can foster a sense of unity among team members, regardless of their physical location. Building strong interpersonal relationships lays the foundation for a successful integration of remote developers into your tech team.
6. Levelling the Playing Field: Embracing Equal Opportunities for Growth
To make contractors feel integrated and invested in your company's success, offer them equal opportunities for growth and professional development. Include them in relevant training sessions, workshops, and conferences. When remote developers perceive that their growth is essential to your organisation, they are more likely to stay committed and motivated to deliver their best work.
Lastly, it's essential to treat your contractors with the same respect and consideration as your permanent employees. Recognize their achievements, celebrate their successes, and include them in company-wide events and initiatives. Avoid creating a division between contracted developers and in-house staff, and instead - foster a unified team spirit that embraces diversity and inclusion and your business will reap the rewards of a versatile and highly skilled workforce.
Next steps
If you're seeking to hire a skilled remote contractors for full-time or project-based software development, Index.dev is the best partner to team up with.
✓ Rigorously vetted and assessed professionals
✓ 97% successful match rate
✓ Average matching time of just 48 hours
✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
At Index.dev, we take pride in our trusted vetting process, ensuring you get access to the best-fit candidates.
You can also find more insights shared by our customers and their experiences with seamlessly integrating remote software developers into their team: