Hiring offshore development teams has become normal practice for many businesses around the world. Offshore teams consist of employees that operate remotely from outside the country where a business is based. 

Today, many businesses move their software development activities offshore to achieve certain goals and enjoy certain benefits. Some of these include: 

• Access to a large talent pool

Sometimes it happens that a company struggles to find local talent with the right skills and experience. Employing professionals offering outsourcing services expands the group of talented individuals a company can employ. 

• Reduced costs

Not only does hiring remote workers cut the costs of human resources services and office space, but there is also the option of hiring from countries where hiring rates are lower. 

• More time to focus on important tasks

When an offshore team understands the vision of a business and has its own set of tasks to complete, there is no longer the need to micromanage. This gives business owners more freedom to focus on other important tasks. 

• Access to the newest technologies

With hiring an offshore team comes a wealth of new knowledge and access to certain skills that local employees might not possess. Technologies from other areas can also be more advanced than what is locally available. 

• Longer working hours 

Businesses often have to run 24/7 operations, which can be quite costly. Hiring employees from a different timezone can eliminate this cost as their normal working hours can cover the extended operating hours of the company.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of offshore outsourcing specifically for software development: 

Source: https://mobilunity.com/blog/how-to-make-your-offshore-team-more-productive/ 

Remote working is fast becoming the more preferred option for both employees and employers. It is safer, economically more viable, often less stressful and allows for more flexible schedules for both businesses and workers. 

However, it is also important to understand that there are some challenges to hiring both offshore seniors and offshore junior teams. These can include maintaining proper communication, keeping remote teams motivated and making sure assigned tasks are completed on time. Luckily, most of these challenges can be overcome through effective management. 

The Best Ways to Manage Offshore Teams

At the start of a cooperation between a business and an offshore team, there is often a great deal of uncertainty. It is important to manage the relationship correctly right from the start. If you’re wondering how to manage offshore team, here are a few of the most essential strategies:

• Proper communication

This is the most important factor when managing an offshore team. Communication can be tricky because employees are located far away from a business’s headquarters and its in-house team. Hiring offshore may also include working with non-native English-speaking employees. Investing in proper communication is, therefore, key. Right from the start, communication channels must be identified. Maintaining regular meetings is also important to ensure everyone is connected and updated.

• Establishing objectives and outcomes 

Making sure everyone understands the initial objectives and expected outcomes is key for successful collaboration. Therefore, it is essential to communicate these early on. 

• Assigning a manager

Keeping track of and ensuring offshore teams complete their tasks within deadlines can become complex and time-consuming. Appointing a manager to offer leadership, oversee tasks, track deadlines, set new goals and answer questions is beneficial to ensure maximum productivity.  

• Acknowledging cultural differences 

Working with remote teams from different countries means that there will be some cultural differences, including values and ways of thinking. It is essential to identify these early on and to acknowledge and respect them. 

• Recognizing achievements

Neglecting to recognize employees often demotivates them. So, as with local employees, it is important to ensure offshore teams know their efforts and achievements are always appreciated. 

Businesses hire offshore teams for a variety of projects, especially tasks that require specific skills and time-consuming tasks. 

Hiring Offshore Data Entry Teams and How to Manage Them

Today, data forms a big part of most businesses. However, managing data and data entry are some of the most time-consuming tasks for businesses. Data entry involves using data processing programs and computers to enter information into databases. It may also include transcribing data from recordings. Businesses often look at contracting offshore data entry professional teams to perform these tasks. Let’s explore some of the benefits of hiring a team offering data entry outsourcing services:

• Cost reduction

Salaries are often lower in other parts of the world, so employing an offshore data entry team can lower a business’ wage bill. Here’s a look at the costs from a few different countries: 

Source: https://mobilunity.com/offshoring-wiki/osd-offshore-software-development/ 

• Saving time

Because data entry work is so time-consuming, hiring offshore teams can free up in-house employees’ time to focus on other core tasks. 

• Access to new and advanced technology

Working with data requires the use of intelligent programs. Offshore teams can bring new technology to businesses to complete data entry tasks more effectively. 

Similar to managing any other offshore team the following management strategies can be applied:

• Effective communication through online channels
• Communicating goals and objectives at the start of the project or collaboration 
• Making use of software tools to track tasks and progress 
• Employing a leader to assist with the effective management of the offshore team 
• Acknowledging achievements and keeping the team motivated 
• Tracking deadlines and consistently reviewing and adjusting goals 

Final Thoughts 

Hiring an offshore team for tasks and projects such as data entry or management can be highly beneficial for businesses. However, it is incredibly important to correctly manage the team right from the start to ensure a successful collaboration. Effective communication and strong support are required throughout the partnership to guarantee great outcomes.