How to expand your team globally with the right equipment.
Recently in the tech industry, one common thread among the most successful start-up businesses emerges: the prevalence of globally distributed teams. Companies like Uber, Airbnb, Canva, and Stripe all boast teams working remotely or from various offices around the world.
Irrespective of industry or mission, these companies have achieved success navigating multiple time zones and cultural differences. As venture capital investment continues unabated, the proliferation of billion-pound start-up's with globally distributed operations seems inevitable.
But what strategies have propelled these companies to their current heights? Undoubtedly, they encountered challenges initially before establishing effective rhythms for their distributed operations. Below, we consider how to expand your team globally.
Defining a globally distributed team
A globally distributed team, or geographically dispersed team, comprises employees working for the same company but not physically situated in the same location or country. They collaborate synchronously or asynchronously to accomplish projects.
Start-up's increasingly favour the distributed model for its ability to swiftly onboard top international talent while minimising real estate expenses worldwide.
The infusion of diverse expertise facilitates accelerated product development and international market expansion. Furthermore, diverse teams offer broader perspectives, fostering innovation and enabling faster learning and skill development compared to collocated teams.
The reality is, hiring developers from different countries can yield significant cost savings compared to paying capital wages as companies scale beyond their initial few employees.
Successfully managing globally distributed teams
Transitioning to a remote or distributed setup presents significant challenges for companies accustomed to office-based management practices. Effectively managing globally distributed teams necessitates rethinking both the tech stack and the approach to assigning and completing work.
Key elements in managing and establishing a distributed team include:
Digital Tools:
Communication tools: Essential for facilitating collaboration across different locations.
Documentation and storage software: Centralise company archives, files, and policies.
Project management software: Streamline task management and deadline setting.
Payroll software: Facilitate hiring and payment processes regardless of location.
Collaboration software: Support remote teamwork across various functions.
Adopting a digital-first approach can be particularly beneficial for hybrid organisations, promoting inclusivity and maintaining project momentum.
Communication:
Establish communication guidelines to mitigate time zone conflicts and enhance productivity.
Define meeting cadences and encourage both formal and informal conversations.
Encourage employees to block off focused work time and schedule regular feedback sessions.
Prioritising communication fosters transparency, alignment, and a sense of community among distributed teams.
Employee Engagement:
Cultivate company values and promote interaction through shared interest spaces and team activities.
Involve employees in decision-making processes to reinforce organisational culture.
Offer training opportunities to support remote workers' skill development and career growth.
Building a strong company culture remotely requires creativity and proactive efforts to foster connections and recognition.
Hiring and Onboarding:
Clearly communicate expectations regarding pay and time zones when hiring remote employees.
Document standardised hiring and onboarding processes to ensure consistency.
Facilitate introductions to team members and assign mentors to aid integration.
Ease new employees into their roles with manageable tasks and structured onboarding plans.
A well-executed onboarding process is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation among remote employees.
Remote Infrastructure:
Implement equipment management solutions to support distributed teams' technological needs.
Prioritise IT maintenance to mitigate cybersecurity risks for remote workers.
Provide remote work allowance and streamline logistics for remote equipment procurement and setup.
Efficient remote infrastructure is essential for ensuring productivity and security across distributed teams.
Distribution:
The equipment required for your employees varies according to their specific roles. Consider conducting a survey to assess what equipment each employee already possesses and what they anticipate from their employer in terms of equipment provision. Ensure that this assessment also addresses the needs of employees with disabilities.
Make a list: Create a standard, comprehensive list of all office equipment, devices and programs a team member may need. Once this list is created, you should determine what your company will provide. Examples include:
- Laptop or computer
- Additional monitor
- Mouse
- Keyboard
- Phone/mobile
- Docking station
- Webcam/backlight
- Headset
- HDMI cable
- Printer
Equipment management has become essential for globally distributed teams. The challenge lies in sourcing high-quality devices worldwide and efficiently managing them throughout each employee's tenure. Additionally, the cost of laptops varies significantly based on geographical location, necessitating a service that can ensure consistent pricing and shipping regardless of an employee's residence. Furthermore, IT maintenance takes on heightened importance as remote workers face increased risks of cyber-attacks and phishing attempts and these risks vary dependent on where in the world the employee works.
Distributed companies require a robust system to oversee their current inventory while procuring secure devices for new team members. Fortunately, distribution solutions from OneMSP are available, providing laptops and other necessary equipment to establish and offboard remote workspaces globally.
Remember Offboarding:
In addition to onboarding, it's crucial to have a formal process in place for when employees depart from your company, regardless of the circumstances or geographic location. This process should include:
- Disabling access to company email and software suites
- Implementing email forwarding to ensure no important communications are missed
- Revoking access to external programmes or websites, with password changes as necessary
- Retrieving company-assigned equipment
- Properly storing or distributing retrieved equipment
- Communicating changes in staff to colleagues, partners, and clients.
Your take-away:
The main thing to take away from this guide, is that managing a globally distributed team involves striking a balance between creating a cohesive company culture and respecting the diverse backgrounds of team members. Prioritising documentation, trust, and empowerment can pave the way for success in navigating the complexities of distributed operations. How you distribute and maintain workstations so that your team has the best tech stack and defences against local threats should also be high on your radar. Fortunately, help is on hand to help your organisation diverse into new territories across the globe. Book a complimentary discovery call to find out how we can help you with your expansion endeavours.
