It’s only a matter of time before a company starts building remote teams from inside, or engaging or deploying one externally through a managed outsourcing company. Technology and the new mobile workforce have made it convenient for groups of people to collaborate and communicate about a certain project while based on several locations. One attraction of having this kind of a virtual workforce is that the project is ongoing, thanks to the different time zones that the members are living in. As one team of remote workers turn in for the night and logs off, their colleagues at the other end of the world are just about to log in and start their day.

Cost reduction is another advantage that we are looking at. Globalization is becoming a new normal. Regardless of their size and resources, companies want to enlarge their market, and that includes the customers from other regions and nations. The advent of the internet, e-commerce, social media, and a network of websites has made it possible for an Asian book lover, for example, to order a bestseller straight from the European publisher. The same holds true for a wide range of products like toys, food supplements, fashion, footwear, and electronic devices. A company that taps its workers from various locations would need platforms and devices to create and maintain online project management. That’s one way that the company realizes that it has to start building remote teams to sustain this kind of international business. It is far less expensive and yet more productive than sending actual full-time employees to relocate in the new markets.

At the same time, there are risks in it that the business owner has to recognize. To be successful, an online team task management must be present to supervise the remote staff and ensure that deliverables and schedules are being met. It would be difficult for the business owner to sustain his fledgling new team if he has to personally check up on and monitor the work of each international remote staffer.

Another challenge is seeing to it that the remote worker remains a fit for the company. This means his skills, personality, workplace behavior, and values are aligned with that of the company’s corporate mission, vision, and values. If this cultural fit is not present, a formerly dedicated and enthusiastic remote worker would soon feel disconnected from the rest of the organization, his concerns and goals not understood, and eventually, unmotivated. Fitness or integration remains a challenge even with full-time employees; it’s one reason why the human resources department and management are always finding ways to make compensation, benefits, and work arrangements beneficial to their workforce. The challenge increases once the same principles are applied to virtual workers; this fitness remains a consideration.

A more effective and faster way is to seek the assistance and the services of a managed outsourcing firm. Such firms provide various services such as virtual assistance, online project management, administration, and creative services through a carefully managed virtual workforce that they continue to motivate and engage. They take care in ensuring that the remote teams they deploy to their companies are a cultural and organizational fit as well. A hands-on project manager keeps tabs on schedules, deliverables, and the quality of performance.

With managed outsourcing firms that are expert in this field, a company would be better equipped to handle the challenges that globalization and a mobile work environment bring. If you need efficient, engaged individuals who can execute your tasks and do harmonious and productive online collaboration, we at HOPLA can help you. Call us now.