8 tips and tricks for remote developers to stay productive and on track

Developing software can be a challenging task, but it is even more difficult when team members are not in the same room. As a remote developer, it is important to find ways to stay productive and on track. In this blog post, we will share some tips and tricks that will help developers joining other teams through staff augmentation achieve success.

What is staff augmentation?

Staff augmentation is the process of bringing in outside IT workforce to fill roles that are either too specialized or not filled by the in house development team. This allows companies to add staff without having to incur additional expense. It can also be used to facilitate remote work, allowing dispersed teams to collaborate and complete projects efficiently.

The challenges of remote work

1. Connecting with dispersed team members

When staff augmentation happens, it is common to have team members located in different places, possibly on different continents. It is important for new employees to adjust to the new working environment and develop bonds with the rest of the development team, even if they are temporary workers. 

2. Onboarding into a new organization

Integrating into an existing, in house team culture can be a daunting task, especially when working remotely. It is important to take initiative and build relationships with colleagues to ensure that you understand their workflow and expectations.

3. Learning new tools

When working remotely through staff augmentation services, it is common for developers to be required to learn new tools and best practices quickly. Take the time to research and become familiar with the new tools and approaches.

4. Maintaining productivity

Staff augmentation often means that team members work remotely, it is important to adjust your workflow to maximize productivity. This includes creating a schedule, setting goals, and taking regular breaks. 

5. Communication

One of the most important aspects of staff augmentation services and remote work is communication. Establish clear lines of communication with team members, so that everyone is on the same page about tasks and progress updates. 

Tips for staff augmentation success

1. Get to know your team

As a team member introduced through staff augmentation, it is important to understand the roles of each team member and become familiar with how the team works together. Make sure to find time for introductions and chat with different people so you can get an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions to ensure that you are up-to-date with any changes or new projects.

2. Set a work schedule 

When staff augmentation means that you are working remotely, it is beneficial to create and stick to a consistent work schedule. Make sure to set aside time for research, development, and team meetings so that everyone is on the same page.

3. Make use of collaboration tools 

Collaboration tools such as Slack and Zoom are extremely beneficial for augmented teams. These tools make it easy to have quick conversations, share files, and provide feedback on projects without having to be in the same physical space.

4. Establish clear expectations

When staff augmentation means that developers are joining a new team, it is important to understand the team's expectations from the beginning. Make sure to ask questions about deadlines and project goals so everyone is on the same page.

5. Take initiative

Staff augmentation services work best when remote workers take initiative and become proactive members of their teams. Make sure to contribute ideas and offer to help with tasks that are outside of your job description, but may benefit from your expertise. This will show the team that you are invested in their success.

6. Stay organized 

When staff augmentation means remote work, it is easy to get lost in the details. Make sure to create lists, notes, and use project management tools such as Trello to keep projects and tasks organized.

7. Find time for feedback 

Providing feedback on augmented team members' work is an important part of the job. Make sure to set aside time for review and discussion so everyone can be open about their ideas, successes, and challenges.

8. Use the right tools 

It is important for a remote, augmented team to have the right tools. It can be useful to research and utilize tools that are meant for staff augmentation, such as easy to use screen capture video software like Loom. These will help you stay connected with your team, no matter where they are located.

Does staff augmentation offer benefits for developers?

For businesses, software development services provided through staff augmentation are a great way to quickly acquire tech talent and take advantage of the many benefits it has to offer. With the right tools, clear expectations, and a commitment to fostering collaboration and communication, staff augmentation can help teams reach their goals. By leveraging access to a larger talent pool, companies can save time, money, and increase productivity of their IT workforce.

Software developers can benefit from working within this model, as well. It allows them to collaborate with true experts in their fields, while still having access to the same tools and resources as everyone else. In addition, staff augmentation can open up exciting opportunities for developers to work on a variety of projects, giving them experience that they would not get in a traditional office setting. 

Additional benefits of staff augmentation services

1. Scalability

One of the biggest advantages of staff augmentation is that it allows teams to quickly and easily scale up or down to meet project needs. This means that teams can staff up during busy periods, without having to worry about disrupting team dynamics or planned career advancement paths more permanently.

2. Established communication processes

With staff augmentation, remote teams can easily set up communication processes that are tailored to their specific needs. Staff augmentation providers like DEVTALENTS use tried and true procedures and toolsets to ensure smooth collaboration. This makes it easier for staff members to stay connected and share ideas. 

3. Improved quality of work

With staff augmentation, developers are able to focus on the tasks at hand without worrying about distractions. This means they can deliver higher quality work on time. 

4. Access to specialized skills

Staff augmentation provides teams with access to exceptional tech talent from all over the world. This means that development teams can easily benefit from the right expertise and never get stuck due to a skill gap. Additionally, working alongside top experts provides fantastic opportunities for learning.

5. Increased productivity

Staff augmentation can help increase productivity within teams. Remote staff members are often more productive, and because the right people get assigned to the tasks that fit their capabilities best, work can progress smoothly, without interruption or unnecessary stress.

6. Better work life balance

Finally, staff augmentation can help provide a better work life balance. Remote staff members do not have to worry about the demands of an office job and have more freedom over their working hours, giving them more time to focus on the things that matter most. 

What is it like to work for a staff augmentation provider

Working for a staff augmentation provider is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to collaborate with some of the best talent in the world. As a staff member, you will have access to an array of skills and resources that will help you do your job more effectively and efficiently. You will be able to work on various projects, build relationships with clients and staff, and have access to the latest tools and technologies.

Overall, staff augmentation is an excellent opportunity for developers to expand their skills and knowledge while continuing their professional development.