A distributed team consists of employees working in different geographical locations. Distributed teams are a common practice, especially in the nearshoring model, as developers are often located in different countries or time zones. This way of working offers many advantages, but requires clear processes and modern communication tools to function efficiently.
Nearshoring allows companies to engage highly skilled developers from different countries without the costs and challenges of internal recruitment. Distributed teams also allow for 24/7 project work, as different time zones can be utilized. For example, a development team in Europe can continue working during the working hours of a company in the US.
For a distributed team to be successful, digital communication and collaboration tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, and Confluence are essential. They enable seamless collaboration, documentation, and information sharing. Regular virtual meetings and clear project management methods like Scrum or Kanban help avoid misunderstandings and increase productivity.
A common problem in distributed teams is cultural and language barriers. Nearshoring providers therefore focus on intercultural training and often offer developers with good English skills. They also implement clear documentation guidelines and transparent workflows to minimize misunderstandings.
A major advantage of distributed teams is the ability to integrate talent from different countries with specific expertise. Companies can access specialists in AI, blockchain, or cybersecurity that may be difficult to find in their home market. At the same time, nearshoring reduces labor costs, as developers in Eastern Europe or Latin America are often cheaper than those in Western Europe or the US.
In summary, distributed teams in the nearshoring model offer companies a high degree of flexibility, access to global talent, and cost savings. However, the right structure and communication are crucial to fully reap the benefits of this way of working.
