Remote Workforce Report showed us an interesting statistic - 44% of full-time workers work remotely. It’s almost half of the general amount! 

It's not simple to manage a development team from anywhere, but leading a remote software development team is considerably harder. You need to be prepared for change and innovation if you want to prosper in this remote work era because it's here to stay for a long time. 

We'll look at some of the frequent obstacles managers have while overseeing remote software development teams in this blog article and provide some best practices to assist managers in resolving these issues. 

Communication 

Any team needs effective communication, but in a remote work setting it becomes much more crucial. Due to distance, time zones, and cultural variations, remote teams sometimes encounter communication difficulties. Clear communication procedures must be established by managers, who must also make sure that all team members are aware of them.

Effective methods for enhancing communication: 

• To facilitate face-to-face collaboration, use video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Skype.
• To keep in-the-moment communication, use apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
• To keep everyone informed of project progress and on the same page, use project management software like Jira or Trello.
• Plan frequent team check-ins to make sure everyone is on track and any difficulties are resolved right away.

Time Management

For remote teams, managing time zones can be a major difficulty. When team members are spread out across multiple time zones, it can be challenging to plan meetings and work in real time. Managers must set up clear guidelines for working hours and make sure their teams have access to the tools they need to be successful. 

Effective methods for enhancing time management: 

• Utilize time-tracking applications like Harvest or Toggl to keep tabs on how your team members are using their time.
• To make sure everyone is on the same page, give assignments and projects definite due dates.
• To ensure they are using their time efficiently, encourage team members to make and follow a timetable.
• To monitor project progress and make sure deadlines are met, use project management software.

Collaboration

Software development teams need to collaborate effectively in order to produce high-quality work, and remote teams must do the same. Even if team members are spread out across the globe, managers must make sure they can work together effectively. 

Effective methods for making collaboration better: 

• To allow remote pair programming, use tools like Visual Studio Live Share or CodeTogether.
• To facilitate code reviews, use technologies like GitHub or GitLab.
• Encourage team members to communicate and work together using online forums or chat rooms.

Employee Engagement and Motivation

Particularly for software development teams that depend on cooperation and interaction, remote work can frequently feel isolating and distant. Feelings of disengagement, a decline in motivation, and even burnout can result from isolation. 

The following are the top techniques for enhancing employee engagement and motivation:

• To promote a sense of community, schedule frequent team-building events like online happy hours or game evenings.
• To prevent burnout, encourage team members to take breaks.
• Offer chances for professional advancement and skill development.
• Team members should be honored for their efforts and accomplishments.

Performance

Managing performance when team members are dispersed can be difficult. Even when they are not physically present, managers must be able to track developments and pinpoint areas for improvement. 

Some best practices for managing performance include:

• Establishing clear metrics and KPIs for team members.
• Providing regular feedback and coaching.
• Offering training and development opportunities to improve skills.
• Recognizing and rewarding team members for their achievements. 

In summary, leading a remote team of software developers calls for a special set of abilities and approaches. For their teams to be able to produce high-quality products, managers must be able to overcome issues with communication, time management, collaboration, leadership, and performance. Managers may help their teams and get past the challenges of remote work by applying these best practices. 

Half of Innovation Feel employees work remotely, and we have learned to embrace remote work and overcome the unique challenges it presents. 

Here we have learned to embrace remote work and overcome the unique challenges it presents. We focus on communication, time management, collaboration, leadership, and performance to ensure that our software development team works effectively. By implementing these best practices, we have created a positive and productive work environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their location. 

If you're looking for a team of developers who are already proficient in working remotely, then look no further than Innovation Feel. Our team has been working remotely for years, and we have perfected our approach to communication, collaboration, and productivity. By hiring developers from Innovation Feel, you can rest assured that you will be working with a team that is experienced, skilled, and highly motivated. 

Whether you need a team of developers for a one-time project or ongoing support, we are here to help. So, if you're ready to take your business to the next level, then contact us today and let us show you what we can do.