How to Keep Outsourced Teams Involved in Business Goals

Employee engagement, wherever it is an internal or outsourced team, refers to the level of commitment, motivation, and emotional investment that employees have in their work and their company.

When engaged, employees are more likely to be proactive, take the initiative, and go above and beyond to achieve their goals.

According to a recent Gallup report, the elements that saw the most significant decline from the pre-pandemic record-high engagement ratio from 2019 to 2022 were: 

• Clarity of expectations
• Connection to the mission or purpose of the company 
• Opportunities for learning and development
• Opportunities for employees to use their best skills
• Feeling supported at work

So how can companies increase employee engagement and reap the benefits of a more engaged workforce? There are many strategies that companies can implement, from providing opportunities for growth and development to sharing a positive company culture with the outsourcing team.

Let’s explore tips that help you engage the outsourced team in your business and dispel your fears about outsourcing software development once and for all.

1. Share Your Company’s Mission & Goals

For outsourced teams to be fully engaged and committed to your company, they need to understand and connect with the mission and purpose of your business. This can be challenging, as they are not physically present in your office and may have different exposure to your company culture and values.

To address this challenge, we recommend you share the company's mission and values from the beginning. For example, you can share stories of how your business has positively impacted your customers or community or highlight specific projects that align with your company's values. 

Make sure they understand why your business exists, what you stand for, and what you hope to achieve. It will help create a shared sense of purpose and fosters a deeper connection between your outsourced team and your company.

Besides that, you can provide training and development opportunities to help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to support your business while reinforcing the importance of your company's mission and purpose.

2. Clarify Expectations

Software development is a complex and dynamic process that requires clear expectations and effective communication to ensure success.

Defining your project goals and objectives, be specific about what you want to achieve, what functionalities you need, and the timeframe for delivery. Set clear expectations around the development process, such as what development methodology will be used, what tools and technologies will be employed, and how your company will manage quality control.

By clarifying expectations and establishing effective communication, you can set the foundation for a successful working relationship with your outsourced software development team. It will help ensure that your project is delivered on time and within budget and that the result meets your expectations.

3. Demonstrate Trust and Respect

While team members may be located in different parts of the world, your outsourced team is still valuable to your business and should be treated with the same respect as your internal team.

How can you show respect to your outsourced team? One way is to involve them in the decision-making process. Seek their input and feedback on project requirements, timelines, and deliverables. It will help them feel valued and invested in the project's success. 

Celebrate their successes and acknowledge their hard work and dedication. It could include public recognition, bonuses, or other forms of acknowledgment. 

Source: KITRUM

By treating your outsourced team with respect, you can build a solid and productive working relationship that ensures your projects' success and your business's continued growth.

4. Recognize Your Outsourced Team’s Personality

Get to know your outsourcing team as individuals beyond their professional roles. One way to do this is to pay attention to their communication style, sense of humor, and interests.

When you communicate with them, take note of their tone and language. Do they use a lot of emojis or exclamation points? Are they more formal or informal? Understanding their communication style can help you communicate with them more effectively and build a stronger rapport.

Additionally, ask them about their interests outside of work. Do they have any hobbies or passions that they enjoy? Learning about their interests can help you find common ground and connect with them on a deeper level.

Remember that catching the personality of your outsourced team requires genuine interest and effort. Don't be afraid to ask questions, show enthusiasm, and be open-minded.

5. Motivate Your Outsourcing Team

Imagine you're building a puzzle together with your outsourcing team. You want to ensure everyone is involved in the process and motivated to complete the puzzle as quickly and effectively as possible. There are several unique ways to motivate your outsourcing team, including the following:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Regular feedback and recognition
• Encouraging innovation and experimentation
• Have a fun and supportive work environment

Motivating your outsourcing team requires a combination of strategies that help them feel valued, supported, and involved in your business. By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your team remains committed to your business goals and helps you succeed.

6. Implement a Flexible Working Schedule

Your outsourcing team may work in a different time zone or have different working hours due to cultural or personal preferences. Allowing flexibility in the daily work schedule shows that you respect and value their needs and circumstances.

One way to implement flexibility is to set clear project deadlines but allow your outsourced team to determine their work schedule within those deadlines. For example, suppose you have a project split due in four weeks. In that case, you could allow your outsourced team to decide whether they want to work on it during traditional working hours or their schedules.

Gartner research has shown that employees with more control over their work schedules tend to be more engaged and productive. Giving your outsourced team more flexibility may motivate them and produce higher-quality work.

7. Deliver Feedback

In software development, giving and receiving feedback is crucial for success. It is essential to focus on the project's specifics, highlighting what went well and what could be improved.

Apply a two-way conversation approach to feedback. Don’t be centered around code quality and functionality only. Encourage your outsourced team to provide feedback on your processes, tools, and communication methods to make the development process smooth. It can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that everyone works together efficiently and effectively.

Keep Outsourced Teams Involved in Your Culture

Following the strategies can create a culture of success and collaboration that drives your business forward. But it's also important to remember that every outsourcing team is unique. While these strategies provide a helpful framework, tailoring your approach to team needs, goals, and culture is essential.

By keeping an open mind, being flexible, and embracing new ideas and perspectives, you can create a dynamic and thriving outsourcing team that helps your business succeed.