So, you’re developing a product and are faced with a choice – whether to hire a software development service provider on outsourcing terms with remote software developers or to build an in-house team. You need to carefully consider all factors to determine which employment option is suitable for your situation.
When choosing a working model for your software development team, it is important to understand the opportunities and risks associated with each option. Here are three main working options – remote and onsite (including hybrid) – and basic information on what you gain and lose with each:
Remote software developers
Pros:
- Cost savings
- Access to specialized expertise
- Scalability
Cons:
- Communication challenges
- Control and oversight issues
- Dependency on third-party providers
In-house team
Pros:
- Direct control and oversight
- Knowledge retention
- Cultural alignment
Cons:
- Higher costs
- Limited scalability
- Talent constraints
Fresh statistics about on-site vs remote software developers
These figures will help you understand how reality is changing.
Fact 1. As of 2023, 12.7% of full-time employees work from home, while 28.2% work a hybrid model
In September 2019, IKEA introduced a Home Office section on its website. This occurred before the COVID-19 pandemic, providing strong evidence of the changing landscape towards remote work.
Fact 2. US companies can save up to 90% on operational, developer, and other costs by outsourcing their IT.
Yes, it’s true. The average hourly wage for Software Developer services in the United States stands at $53.77. A developer from India requests $3.87.
Fact 3. 86% of engineers work entirely in remote jobs. This is a part of the software development culture.
Traditionally, programmers work in small teams and have minimal interaction with other employees. The corporate culture of software development services typically revolves around small, introverted groups. Two half-hour calls per week represent the typical level of communication in such groups.
Fact 4. A study by Stanford University found that remote software developers and other workers are 13% more productive than their onsite counterparts.
How is this possible without the presence of a hovering manager, you may ask? Easily. Remove coffee breaks with colleagues from the workday, long stories about life at the nearby desk, the need to greet everyone, hour-long corporate lunches with tennis breaks, and meetings called out of boredom, and you’ll have a significant amount of time to fill. Why not fill it with work?
How mitigate risks if you’ve decided to opt for the obvious choice – remote software developers?
When you decide to work with remote software developers, consider several key aspects to successfully mitigate potential risks and ensure effective collaboration.
We use 4-Co model.
4-Co model for reducing the risks associated with remote software developers
1) Coordination
Firstly, it’s crucial to clearly define expectations and tasks. This involves setting clear goals, requirements, and deadlines for tasks. Regular discussions of these expectations and progress assessments will help maintain transparency and synchronization in the work.
2) Communication
Next, establishing effective communication is a key element of successful collaboration. Use various communication tools such as video conferencing, chats, and email to maintain regular contact with remote developers. This will help prevent misunderstandings and allow for timely responses to any questions or issues that arise.
3) Control
It’s also important to make use of project management tools for effective control over the progress of work. Utilize specialized tools such as Trello, Jira, or Asana to track tasks, manage deadlines, and monitor progress. Train remote developers in the use of these tools and create a unified working system for the entire team.
4) Collaboration
Finally, creating a strong work culture and team spirit is important for successful collaboration. Invest in online events, team chats, and other initiatives that contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and trust within the team. Foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, taking into account the needs and opinions of all team members.
A well-fed sheep produces more wool. First, choose remote software developers. Then take care of the comfort of your developers, and you can expect greater loyalty and a higher quality of output from this challenging and costly labor.
