In the cutthroat world of business today, every edge counts — every dagger has to be sharpened on the stone of technology. It’s blade gleaming and hungry for blood. One such cutlass? Building a remote team — one that harnesses global talent, boosts efficiency and drives growth. This guide delves into how creating a remote team can be the ultimate game changer in this pirate infested high-seas — one that cut costs, enhances productivity, and provides access to specialized skills from around the globe.
The idea of building a remote team has become a popular strategy. Why? It offers businesses a flexible and efficient alternative to the traditional office setup. Unlike conventional teams, remote teams excel on digital communication. They are built for that sphere — they leverage advanced tools to collaborate and manage projects effectively.
“The rise of remote work is reshaping the business landscape, providing unprecedented access to global talent,” said Jennifer Christie, Chief HR Officer at Twitter. Twitter, for example, announced in 2020 that employees could work from home indefinitely, highlighting the company’s commitment to the remote work model. This change, a byproduct of the COVID pandemic, actually ended up saving Twitter now X, millions of dollars in overhead and making the company much more dynamic.
Hiring remotely allows businesses to transcend geographic barriers, tapping into specialized skills and diverse perspectives that may be scarce locally. This is one the biggest benefits when it comes to this trend — getting new eyes on an issue. Solving under new terms. Rebranding under a new exotic perspective.
This global reach galvanizes innovation and betters problem-solving capabilities. For instance, Shopify, an e-commerce giant, embraced a fully remote workforce in 2020. In doing so, they accessed a broader talent pool, which led to an influx of innovative ideas and solutions. It allowed them to scale up regionally and use POVs of those regions to brand and market their product for that market. This move has been credited with helping the company navigate and thrive during the Apocalyptic times brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a survey by Global Workplace Analytics, companies with remote teams report a 25% increase in access to specialized talent, leading to more innovative solutions.
Remote teams reduce overhead costs such as office space, utilities, and in-person meeting expenses —- this is a give-in. Flexible work hours also boost productivity, as employees can work during their most efficient times. It’s less about getting workers to fill out their timesheets and more about getting them to do the tasks needed. GitLab, a company that operates with a 100% remote workforce, saves approximately $18 million per year in real estate costs. The savings have been redirected to enhance employee benefits and technology investments — these examples showcase how remote work can be an incredibly financially savvy move.
Another example is Buffer, a social media management company that has been fully remote since its inception. Buffer reported saving thousands of dollars annually on operational costs, which allowed them to invest more in their product development and employee well-being programs.
Remote teams offer businesses the agility to respond to market fluctuations and global events, maintaining operations during unforeseen disruptions. As Sid Sijbrandij, CEO of GitLab, noted, “Remote work allows us to be more resilient and adaptable to changes in the market and global environment.” GitLab’s remote model helped them to continue operations seamlessly during the pandemic — they needed to pivot when the world went upside down, they were already there.
Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, is another great example — a brilliant case in point. Operating as a fully remote company, Automattic has managed to scale its operations. They have bee hiring talent from all over the world without the constraints of physical office space. This flexibility has been crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Take a second and imagine a company that not only survived but thrived during one of the most disruptive events in recent history—the COVID-19 pandemic. A company that while the world was going gonzo only saw a rise in its stock value. Let’s talk about Automattic — the parent company of WordPress.com. It is a shining example of how building a remote team can lead to huge success.
From its inception, Automattic went all in on a fully remote work model. This decision allowed them to hire the best talent from around the globe, unconstrained by geographic limitations. And they continued to do so during its first years of conception. Finding a great balance between cutting cost and hiring quality teams. When the pandemic hit, while many companies scrambled to adapt to remote work, Automattic continued its operations seamlessly. It didn’t miss a step. And Automattic wasn’t the only one to do so — remote working had become a trend in the tech industry. Their remote infrastructure was already in place, proving their adaptability.
Automattic’s remote team is spread across more than 75 countries. This provides them with a diverse and quite massive pool. This diversity injects them with innovation and helps the company to understand and cater to a global audience effectively.
Plus, their operational costs lower – to their peers – as they save millions annually on real estate and office maintenance. And, given that they adapt their rates to geolocation of workers, they can also hire out talent for a margin of costs.
The company’s success is evident in its growth and continued existence. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Automattic continued to expand, acquiring several startups and launching new products. Their ability to scale operations without the limitations of physical office space has been a game-changer, enabling them to seize new opportunities swiftly.
“Being fully distributed has given us the flexibility to hire the best talent, no matter where they are in the world. It has also made us more resilient to disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Matt Mullenweg, CEO of Automattic.
Rapidly and clearly outline roles and responsibilities — this makes sure every team member knows their tasks and how they contribute to the project’s overall goals. For example, Trello, a project management tool, uses detailed role descriptions and clear responsibility matrices to keep their remote team aligned and efficient. This clarity helps prevent overlaps and gaps in work, ensuring smooth project execution.
Setting clear objectives and outcomes you can measure helps align the team’s efforts with the business’s strategic goals. Regular reviews keep the team on track — keeps them on track with the desired results that need to be achieved. At Zapier, a company that automates workflows, setting and regularly reviewing clear objectives has been key. They utilize OKRs – Objectives and Key Results – to keep their remote team focused and productive. This oversight has contributed to a 20% productivity increase within the first quarter of their remote transition.
Platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, and Indeed help find top talent worldwide. They each offer a broad pool of candidates with diverse skills and expertise. Automattic for example leverages these platforms to recruit from a global talent pool, ensuring they attract the best candidates regardless of location. This strategy has helped them build a robust and diverse team that excels in innovation and performance.
Virtual interviews and assessments allow businesses to evaluate candidates’ skills, experience, and cultural fit, ensuring only the most qualified individuals join the team. At Buffer, they have developed a comprehensive virtual interview process that includes multiple stages of assessments and practical tests. This Machiavellian process ensures they hire candidates who not only have the right skills but also fit well with the company’s remote culture.
A well-structured onboarding plan equips new hires with the tools and resources they need, including collaboration software, project management tools, and clear workflow documentation. Zapier quickly onboarded a remote team by providing detailed training materials and regular check-ins, leading to a significant boost in team productivity. Their onboarding process includes mentorship programs and interactive training sessions, which help new employees acclimate quickly and start contributing effectively.
Using the right tools and tech is essential for remote teams to thrive and evolve. This includes access to collaboration software, project management tools, and clear documentation of workflows. To AI tech. For instance, InVision, a digital product design platform, makes sure their remote team has access to the best tools available, such as Slack for communication, Trello for project management, and Zoom for video conferencing.
This widespread and tech heavy toolkit supports great collaboration and ups productivity across their global team.
Building a remote team offers huge benefits, from accessing global talent to cutting costs and boosting business resilience. Real-life examples from companies like GitLab, Automattic, and Buffer highlight the transformative potential of building teams remotely. Embrace the future of work with remote teams and unlock your potential for growth and innovation.
“Remote work has unlocked access to a global talent pool and allowed us to grow our team with top talent regardless of their location,” said Darren Murph, Head of Remote at GitLab.
By utilizing and leveraging the global talent biosphere, businesses not only save on costs but also gain a competitive edge through increased innovation and resilience. Understanding how to build an effective remote team is essential for any company looking to thrive in today’s dynamic market. The future of work is remote, and the time to embrace this change is now.
About the Author
With a deep understanding of what companies need to build top-performing remote teams and fully remote departments, his journey with Uptalent has been dedicated to creating exceptional remote work solutions and helping companies thrive with top-tier remote talent.
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