Gone are the days when computer programmers were stereotyped as shut-ins huddled amidst a mountain of gaming gear and empty pizza boxes. Quite the opposite, the proliferation of remote coding opportunities now allows coders to work contentedly from the comfort of their own abodes. This liberating situation is made possible through initiatives like Tynker and STEM which have carefully designed programmes that introduce kindergarten children to coding. Several leading figures such as Mark Zuckerberg, have stressed the importance of computer science education at secondary and tertiary levels.
According to experts, the current figure of 20 million developers worldwide significantly underestimates the true number. As more and more coders enter the job market, remote access to their services has never been easier. Consequently, it is highly likely that your company will require a coder at some stage, possibly one located thousands of miles away. As highlighted in our article, ‘Why the Local Candidate Isn’t Always the Right Candidate’, educational institutions in a specific area may not provide the necessary skills required by an organization. Due to the increasing demand for programmers worldwide, their specialized talents continue to gain immense value in the market.
To excel as a successful remote programming manager, it is crucial to have the right skills and qualities. You can learn more about what it takes to be a successful manager by referring to our blog post, ‘What it Takes to Make it as a Successful Product Manager‘. Additionally, following these five valuable tips from seasoned programmers will enable you to confidently take on the role despite any initial trepidation. If you need to hire skilled professionals like them, please feel free to reach out to us.
Tips for Maintaining Proper Function of Your Programmable Remote
Importance of Recognition
Remote programmers shared a prevalent issue during my recent discussions with them: they often feel that their efforts are not acknowledged enough. Though remote work has become increasingly common, it’s easy to forget that there could be staff members on the other side of the globe working away on our projects. As a manager, it’s vital to make your programmers understand that their hard work is valued and appreciated. You can do this by scheduling regular calls with your remote programming staff, recognizing and commending them for meeting deadlines or surpassing expectations, and accepting their accolades gracefully. If you’re concerned about loneliness impacting your remote workers, think about implementing some concurrent coding projects. Collaborative development teams, as Jeff Atwood, co-founder of Stack Overflow, highlighted in his post, can be incredibly advantageous, and I personally can vouch for the support and assistance that my team has readily provided me with whenever I encountered challenges with functionality or implementation.Stay Organized
Set Goals and Deadlines Frequent and clear communication with your developers is crucial to avoid any misunderstandings about ongoing projects. Even the slightest interruption can significantly impact productivity, with a remote programmer possibly losing up to fifteen minutes of efficiency due to a two-second disruption. Therefore, holding regular team meetings keeps everyone updated and decreases the need for additional follow-up communication. I hope that my toddler doesn’t distract your team during exceptional cases like mine.
Take a Relaxing Break with a Cup of Coffee and Avoid Overthinking.
Tips for Communicating with Your Coder
Make Communication a Priority.
One of the best ways to support remote developers is to establish transparent and efficient communication. By providing unambiguous instructions and expectations beforehand, developers can better grasp the task’s needs and deliver the desired outcomes.Avoid Micromanaging.
Developers are renowned for their versatility in transitioning from analytical to creative modes of thought. Providing them with autonomy in their job and not interfering too much when challenges arise is essential to unleashing their full potential. An article titled ‘Why Home Is Best for Developers’ proposes that “sitting at a desk and staring at the problem only increases frustration”. Steve Bennett, head of projects at Soliant Consulting, added that “there are numerous other factors that contribute to a developer’s productivity”. Keeping a developer confined to the workplace won’t necessarily boost their motivation or work ethic; similarly, like other creative thinkers, developers might need to take a break from coding to find a solution.Stay Accessible
As a manager, it’s crucial that you remain easily reachable online. One of the programmers I spoke with recognized that it would be better to approach you directly with inquiries, but due to our remote setup, this may not always be viable. If you’re continuously unavailable or take an extended period to respond, it might lower your developers’ morale, especially if they’ve made the effort to familiarize themselves with the company’s preferred mode of electronic communication.
A Content Developer is More Efficient.
There’s a common misconception that remote programmers spend their days binge-watching The Lord of the Rings or creating their own computer language. However, an adept programmer on your team can be extremely beneficial. The required level of attention and care might vary, but with experience, you can strike a good balance. Transparent and constructive communication, setting realistic goals, showing appreciation for their accomplishments, and setting reasonable expectations can help ensure the efficiency of your remote programmer. Our recent blog post on acquiring technical talent revealed that remote programmers are more efficient than their in-office counterparts. To quote Bill Bryson, “a computer is a stupid machine with the power to do incredible things, while a computer programmer is a smart person with the capacity to do amazingly stupid things”. In summary, it’s a tremendous combination.
At Works, we recognize the numerous advantages of remote employment for programmers. That’s why we’re committed to locating the ideal match for your company. We’re devoted to delivering an efficient and personalized service that will connect you with the right programmer. So why procrastinate if you’re interested in reaping the benefits of remote employment? Contact us now, and we can begin the process of finding your ideal programmer.
