outsourcing

Effective Strategies for Managing Your Outsourced Team

Outsourcing. A term that carries immense significance in the business world today. But with the potential to manage a talented workforce globally comes a unique set of challenges. You may be sitting in your office in New York, London, or Sydney, but your team could be halfway across the globe, creating a dynamic that requires careful management and sustained commitment. 

Whether you have a virtual assistant in the Philippines, software developers in India, or customer service teams in Costa Rica — managing an outsourced team requires a nuanced approach that combines the right tools, communication practices, and management styles. 

To consider when working with outsourced team

  • Organisational Tools: Investing in good management software is a must. Tools like Asana, Slack, and Trello can help streamline tasks and ensure clear communication within your team.
  • Cultural Considerations: Acknowledge cultural differences. These might include work ethics, norms, and holidays. Acknowledging and respecting these differences can increase team unity and motivation.
  • Timezone Differences: Be mindful of time zone differences. Regularly scheduled meetings should be at a time that’s fair to everyone, or consider alternating schedules.
  • Employee Engagement: Despite distance, make an effort to engage with your team on a personal level. Organize virtual team-building activities or casual catch-up sessions to foster a sense of camaraderie.
  • Remote Training: Provide thorough training to your outsourced team. Online training tools like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning can supply diverse course content tailored to your company’s needs.
  • Performance Evaluation: Regular performance evaluations can help identify areas for improvement. Ensure you’re using a fair and consistent evaluation method and provide constructive feedback to promote improvement and continued learning.
  • Data Security: Maintaining high standards of data security is crucial. Remind employees of the importance of protecting company data and ensure they have access to secure network connections.
  • Transparency: Being open about company goals and individual expectations can build trust within the team. Regular updates about the business status can also help employees feel more aligned with the business.
  • Regular Feedback: Encourage a feedback culture in your team. This includes giving regular feedback to your team members and also being open to receiving it. Tools like 15Five and Peakon can make this process a breeze.
  • Employee Recognition: It’s crucial to celebrate wins and recognize individual contributions. Platforms such as Bonusly or Kudos offer great ways to appreciate your team’s hard work and maintain morale.
  • Flexible Schedules: Providing flexibility in working hours can be a significant morale booster for your outsourced team, especially considering the potential difference in time zones. But ensure that there’s a certain period or ‘overlap hours’ where all team members are available for collaboration.
  • Virtual Onboarding: The onboarding process sets the tone for a new employee’s experience. So, ensure that you have a comprehensive virtual onboarding process. LinkedIn Learning and other platforms provide great resources for designing effective remote onboarding programs.
  • Effective Communication: Proper and efficient communication holds the key to managing a remote team. Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet can facilitate video conferencing and enhance your team’s communication.
  • Ensuring Productivity: Keep the productivity of your outsourced team in check, without micromanaging them. Productivity tools like Time Doctor and RescueTime can provide insightful analytics about how work time is spent.
  • Mental Health Support: It’s essential to provide support to your team members in maintaining their mental health. Encouraging regular breaks, providing access to resources, or even arranging virtual meditation sessions can go a long way.
  • Use of Chatbots: Implementing AI chatbots can help provide instant support to your remote team, addressing minor queries and saving a lot of time.

    In summation, the tools outlined above are instrumental in facilitating a conducive work environment for your outsourced team. They foster regular feedback, which nurtures a culture of openness and learning. Likewise, the importance of employee recognition cannot be understated as acknowledging achievements builds morale and motivates employees. Flexible schedules provide a much-needed work-life balance, pertinent especially in remote work setups.

Onboarding and tools

Furthermore, effective virtual onboarding sets the tone for employee experience, stressing the importance of initial impressions. Communication tools assist in maintaining clear and efficient communication lines, enhancing overall team collaboration. Productivity platforms help monitor work efficiency without infringing on an employee’s autonomy. 

Emphasizing mental health support reflects a company’s empathy for the personal struggles that employees may grapple with, which can boost loyalty and productivity. Lastly, AI chatbots offer immediate support, allowing more complex problems to be addressed promptly. 

These tools are not just crucial for daily operations, but also establish a culture of transparency, respect, and employee growth. These attributes inherently make your company desirable for current and prospective employees, further contributing to the company’s success.

Are you thinking of a remote team in another country? Let us help you! Reach out to us with all your questions and we help you out at info@globedesk.one