The rapid expansion of COVID-19 in 2020 forced industries to change their structures and systems. In the case of the tech industry, this proved to be an improvement. For example, it allowed businesses to reach all corners of the world in search of experienced, talented individuals to bring into their companies. A growing technology-reliant society also affected the hiring process.
Some changes businesses had to make included:
- Increased adaptability and reliance on technology
- Improved relationships with businesses and individuals across the world
- Allowed access to a larger pool of candidates to choose from when hiring
The area of software development, specifically, saw a surge in its demand. Suddenly, companies began to look at the benefits of employing a software developer.
Here are eight of those benefits:
- Reduces the cost of travel and (sometimes) payment.
- Improves the recruitment process.
- The pool of valuable candidates increases.
- Allows for contact to the top developers.
- Improves productivity through remote tasks.
- Promotes diversity within a business.
- Helps keep up with the competition.
- Ideal for small to medium companies.
Offshoring
Due to the large percentage of the workforce transitioning to remote functionality, offshoring became popular. Offshoring is a type of outsourcing that targets other continents to have jobs completed. These are often cheaper alternatives to hiring in-person or, for businesses within the United States, within the country.
Nearshoring
This is similar to offshoring only in that companies seek developers outside of their country. However, nearshoring is centered on finding developers in a nearby country. Time zones and cultures are generally more similar when nearshoring than offshoring.
How to Work with Software Developers in a Remote Environment
While the tech industry benefited from the transition to virtual work, it can still be difficult to work remotely with developers across the world. There are inherent obstacles such as conflicting time zones, language barriers, experience levels, and more to work around.
Here are some tips to make remote work with software developers easier:
- Use up-to-date technologies for communication and collaboration
- Review roles, tasks, and project details with appropriate team members
- Hold regular (weekly or bi-weekly) virtual meetings
- Utilize project management tools where you can
- Maintain compassion, encouragement, and support employees
When All is Said and Done
The hiring process has always been one of the most stressful and challenging parts of the workplace. This can be said for recruiters and hiring managers, as well as the developers they hire. Of course, clear communication is at the top of crucial traits for good businesses to have. A technologically reliant workforce would agree with that. Whether a developer is within the same country or on a different continent, he or she should be able to communicate appropriately.
Since the arrival of COVID-19, a new level of compassion and understanding has emerged. Considered possibly one of the second most important characteristics of the workforce in the 21st century is acknowledging humanity. Remote work has made it a struggle to keep in mind that, behind the digital faces, there are people who are still adapting to an evolving world.
