5 best practices to strengthen productivity within remote development teams

This article is a submission by Rootstack. Rootstack is a software development services company focused on helping businesses achieve their digital transformation goals. 

The productivity of remote work teams has always been a topic of interest to all business leaders since they want to maintain a productive work rhythm and reduce operating costs through this modality of work.

But beyond the myths, numerous studies and experiences have shown that remote development teams can be highly productive and efficient.

The global situation generated by the pandemic was what led to the faster adoption of remote work, which was key for companies to continue their operations.

Interesting statistics about remote work in the world

According to statistics shared by WFHResearch and cited in this Forbes article, as of 2023, at least 12.7% of full-time employees work from home, and 28.2% work hybrid. These figures give clear signs of the normalization of remote work.

It is clear that the workforce is very interested in working in remote teams, as the results of this survey by Buffer showed: 98% of respondents said they would like to work remotely, at least part of the workday.

But employers aren’t lagging far behind in embracing the remote work trend. According to a report from Indeed, 93% of employers plan to continue using virtual interviews as they find the interviewing process easier and the hiring itself is faster.

Remote work challenges some employees face

While remote work brings various advantages to employees and businesses, it also has its own drawbacks:

• 27% percent of employees surveyed for Buffer’s “State of Work” report listed the “inability to disconnect” as one of their biggest challenges when working remotely.
• The biggest challenge for 16% of remote workers is communication and collaboration since they depend on calls, virtual meetings, and virtual messages instead of speaking face to face and sharing the same office and space.
• For the 34% of remote workers with little experience in this modality, it is difficult to feel productive compared to those with more experience who note that working remotely makes them more flexible and productive.

Benefits of working with remote development teams

As for businesses that hire remote development teams, they are able to leverage the following:

Greater access to talent

Not limited by geographic barriers, companies can access more diverse, high-level talent anywhere in the world. They can best assemble their remote development team for their project.

Flexible schedule

Another positive aspect of working with remote development teams is the flexibility of working hours.

Just as developers can decide what are the most comfortable and productive times to do their work, employers can also organize their teams to work at the time that is most convenient for the project.

Reduced costs and travel time

Another key benefit of remote work is reduced travel time and associated costs. Since these specialists don’t have to go through the hassle of commuting and spending, they become more dedicated to their work and are less stressed.

Improved productivity

Some studies have shown that remote development teams can be more productive than teams working in the same office. This is because remote employees often have fewer distractions and can focus more on their work.

More innovation

Working with remote development teams can help improve innovation. This is because remote employees often have different perspectives and experiences, which can lead to new ideas and solutions.

5 best practices to strengthen remote development teams’ productivity

Adopting good practices in remote development teams is of vital importance to guarantee the effectiveness, productivity, and well-being of teams in this increasingly frequent work environment.

Establishing a solid foundation of good practices ensures clear and effective communication between team members, avoiding misunderstandings and promoting collaboration.

In addition, it encourages transparency in the assignment of tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines, which helps keep all collaborators aligned with the objectives of the project.

Here are best practices to help strengthen remote development teams’ productivity:

Keep track of time

“One of the golden rules of remote work is managing time effectively. As a remote worker, you are likely to work longer hours with fewer breaks.

Estimate how long each task can take and set realistic goals. You can also use a time control app or an alarm to not stray from the plan,” they advised in an article on the Workplace portal created by Meta.

It is also important to establish “office hours” that work in your day so that you do not overwork. It is not about having a conventional schedule from 8 am to 5 pm but about establishing a work period and a period of personal time.

Prioritize clear communication

Communication is clear for the understanding of the remote work teams and for the achievement of the objectives set.

“Prioritizing this clear and frequent communication keeps everyone on track with tasks and goals while helping to build stronger personal relationships among remote teams. This builds trust and increases the commitment of employees.”

This is indicated in an article on Slack, one of the communication platforms most used by remote teams.

Choose a work area

Even if you work remotely from home, it does not mean that one day you will work in bed, another day in the kitchen, and another day in the living room. Remote work needs structure and organization to be productive and successful.

“If you work everywhere, you can’t relax anywhere. Choose an office space in your home, even if it’s a corner of your kitchen. The physical distinction between the place where you work and the place where you relax will help you switch to professional mode during work hours and focus on personal relationships, household tasks, and other activities later,” – they narrowed in a Microsoft article.

Limit distractions

Surfing the Internet during business hours and losing track of time is something that can happen very easily. To stay focused, it’s a good idea to set a timer, such as setting yourself 15 minutes to read the news.

You can also use software or browser extensions that block social networking sites during business hours. Also, scheduling tasks outside of work, such as errands, for lunchtime or after work, will help limit interruptions.

Plan the breaks

The key to productivity is rest, since by having the corresponding breaks, you will feel more recharged to face work challenges.

During the workday, set aside time for lunch with your family, a quick visit to the coffee shop, grab a snack, or take 15 minutes to watch something on your phone that relaxes you.

In conclusion, applying good practices in remote work is essential to maximize efficiency, maintain the quality of work, preserve the mental health of employees, and foster a sense of unity and trust within the team.

By following these guidelines, organizations can take full advantage of the benefits that remote work offers and successfully overcome the challenges that remote work can present.