Where Should Software Developers Work? Is There a Clear Winner Here?

Numerous firms began to appreciate the advantages of distributed teams, which meant engaging remote software engineers from any location across the globe, after the outbreak of the COVID-19 in 2016. The pandemic caused a change in attitudes towards remote working, prompting firms to evaluate the practicalities and productivity of remote software engineers working from home or in an office setup.

Do you find it challenging to determine the best approach for finding your next technical staff? This post outlines the essential considerations in choosing whether to employ locally, remotely or from another country. Additionally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having technical staff working on site compared to engaging software developers to work remotely.

Jump to:

• What is meant by the term “Remote Software Engineer”?
• Responsibilities of a Remote Software Engineer
• Guidelines to Decide if Your Business Requires an Offsite or Onsite Software Engineer.
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Engaging Freelance Software Developers
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Having In-House Software Developers

What is meant by the term “Remote Software Engineer”?

Remote software engineers are specialists in computer science, employing engineering principles and programming languages to create various software applications, including games, apps and network management systems. Remarkably, they operate independently and remotely, rather than working in a shared office space with other employees.

Pinpointing the principal responsibilities of a remote software developer can assist you in deciding if they are the right fit for your enterprise.

Responsibilities of a Remote Software Engineer

The duties of a software engineer may differ based on the company’s demands. Nonetheless, generally, the position of a software engineer includes responsibilities like:

• Recognizing issues and redundancies within a system to improve its quality.
• Developing standardized modes of operation.
• Designing new software involves research and planning.
• Producing superior software and establishing functional infrastructure.
• Maintaining pre-existing source code.
• Implementing technology strategies.
• Evaluating the programs and infrastructure that enable computer devices to perform.
• Exploring innovative new technology.
• Compiling a record of standard operating procedures.
• Exercising strong self-discipline.
• Proactive individual.
• Proficiency in time management.

This article delineates the prerequisites for a software engineering position conducted remotely, applicable to recruiters looking to hire their inaugural programmer, as well as aspiring job-seekers.

Qualifications for a prosperous software engineer working from a remote location

• Attainments in software development, computer science, mathematics, or an equivalent field, ideally certified or advanced.
• Proficiency in contemporary programming languages such as Java, C++, etc.
• Ability to understand algorithms and analyze data structures proficiently.
• Capability in critical analysis and reasoning.
• The significance of interpersonal skills.
• Ability to detect and rectify software bugs skillfully.

How to Ascertain if having an Offsite or Onsite Software Engineer is Suitable for Your Enterprise.

If you are contemplating between two options of recruiting software engineers, namely on-site and remote workers, it might be challenging to decide the best choice for your business. Possibly, you must have heard from your business partner that hiring a software developer remotely from Eastern Europe had yielded significant gains. Conversely, Bob’s experience of recruiting a remote software developer from a different region had resulted in a problematical occurrence. Hence, you might consider selecting the option of recruiting locally as the most suitable one.

It is apparent that since every team and organization’s circumstances differ, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to hire software developers. Therefore, each option needs to be evaluated carefully to arrive at the most suitable decision.

Before deciding on whether to hire a remote or on-site engineer, it is crucial to evaluate the existing procedures, systems, and tools accessible to the enterprise. This assessment should aid in identifying if the company can facilitate a remote employee and whether there exists a necessity for their physical presence in the office.

However, you need not stress about it; we have taken the responsibility and performed it ourselves. We have analyzed the benefits of engaging with on-site versus remote software professionals. Being a recruitment agency specializing in finding and deploying remote developers globally, we might display a slight inclination.

Pros and Cons of Utilizing Freelance Software Developers

Advantages of Hiring Remote Software Engineers comprise:

Augments Workflow and Enhances Productivity

The study conducted by Stanford University suggested various benefits of working remotely, such as amplified productivity. As per the research, personnel who worked from their homes were more proficient, took fewer sick leaves, reported on time every day, and allocated more time to their work instead of extended lunch breaks.

By hiring remote software engineers, you can gain from employees that concentrate better in a work environment that nurtures their productivity. Having the flexibility to work from a nearby café or the ease of their home without the worries of commuting, it can create a more stimulated and active team instead of employees feeling worn-out and exasperated due to day-to-day traffic.

It Assists in Retaining Employees for an Extended Period.

Retaining staff is easier for remote companies, respecting employees’ need for a work-life balance. For numerous people (up to 90%), access to remote working is deemed a valuable perk. Including this in the employee benefits package may prove to be a persuasive approach to attracting and retaining the top talent.

Retaining top talent isn’t the only plus-point of employing remote workers; it also enables businesses to include those who would not be able to participate in person. This could involve new parents who cannot leave their babies or toddlers or people with disabilities or health conditions who would find working from home a more suitable option. Companies that go the extra mile to accommodate employees with disabilities receive genuine recognition and appreciation.

Cost Saving

The cost benefits of having a remote team are obvious. Improved productivity, attendance, and reduced turnovers can significantly contribute to your business’s gains.

Despite the probable advantages of quick escalation, businesses may find it difficult to recover the costs due to spiking property prices. Luckily, teams that work remotely can circumvent this crisis altogether. Employing remote workers to drive scale is becoming more popular among organisations, and some of the most profitable start-ups boast of having entirely remote teams.

Access to a Wider Array of Prospective Employees

Outsourcing comes with the benefit of being able to hire software developers from a broader geographical region. Finding and hiring skilled IT experts can be a challenge, but it is not because there is a shortage of capable candidates or adept programmers. The primary issue is that the most proficient developers in the US are either already working or expect a considerable salary to collaborate with you.

Hiring a remote software developer solely based on their reduced cost is a common misconception. While selecting a remote developer from a different country just to take advantage of cost savings may result in sub-standard work, other possible benefits can also be attained by hiring a remote developer for a lower cost. The triumph of the endeavour is deeply rooted in the set goals and the approach deployed when searching for new employees.

Ramifications of Software Development Outsourcing:

1. Cultural Challenges
   
   Suppose your organisation is unaccustomed to working remotely. In that case, it may be difficult to collaborate with a remote software developer. Ensuring remote employees feel included and valued is crucial to making them feel part of the team. Without this, they may feel disconnected and insignificant.
   
   Relationship building is typically easier in traditional workplaces due to frequent in-person interactions. In the absence of this, remote teams must be more proactive in their communication and relationship-building efforts to establish a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie.
2. Language Diversity
   
   Effective communication is a crucial aspect of successful projects and tasks, so it is necessary to recruit Ukrainian software developers with a good command of the English language. The use of tools such as Google Translate cannot serve as a substitute for direct communication.
   
   Before hiring a software engineer, it is important to ensure that they possess adequate English language proficiency. This can be evaluated by discussing with the candidate and examining their written work, even if they list advanced English as a skill on their CV. Conducting a proper assessment of their language proficiency is essential to ensure that they meet the necessary requirements.
3. Time Zone Disparities
   
   Hiring a remote US or Canadian software developer offers a practical solution. However, recruiting a worker from the Philippines or another country with a significant time zone difference could result in asynchronous meetings and interactions that may compromise team efficiency and morale.
   
   When working remotely, asynchronous communication is necessary to ensure everyone has ample time to attend to their individual responsibilities. However, it is also beneficial for teams to convene for meetings and social gatherings. In the absence of physical presence, it can be challenging for a software engineer to keep up with project developments and potential issues.
4. Management Challenges
   
   If you are a manager who is uncomfortable delegating work without closely monitoring results, hiring a remote software engineer is not recommended. This may lead to feelings of anxiety or uneasiness, as you may worry that the employee could be taking advantage of the situation and may not be working as hard as they should. However, it is critical to recognise that for remote management to be effective, managers must trust their team and evaluate their performance based on results.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Having In-House Software Developers

Advantages of Having a Software Developer Physically Present on Site

1. Improved Teamwork
   
   When a company has its own in-house software developers, collaboration is more likely to occur. With all team members located in the same place, it is easier to seek advice from one another and resolve issues that may arise. Conversely, if team members are remote or have conflicting schedules, this could complicate the process and impede progress.
2. Aligned Interests and Objectives
   
   The success of any team, not just in IT, relies on the collective pursuit of shared values and interests. With an in-house development team, it is easier to adhere to the company’s ethos and encourages communication amongst team members as face-to-face meetings aid both project advancement and dialogue.
3. Long-term Product Evolution
   
   Having in-house software developers ensures continued product development. By building a team of seasoned professionals, it is easier to invest in and develop products that require long-term development.
   
   When employing remote software developers, the outcome may be determined by their arrangement. For example, opting to use freelancers or outsourcing development work means that these individuals can set their own work hours and take responsibility for their projects. However, hiring remote full-time employees requires them to learn about your company, its projects, and standard procedures.
4. Build an Exceptional Team
   
   Managing a software engineering team has its pros and cons. While overseeing team members to ensure they meet their commitments can be beneficial, it may also contribute to increased micromanagement and burnout. Striking a balance and employing the appropriate leadership style is critical in effectively leading a software engineering team.

Thinking of Hiring an In-House Software Engineer? Keep These Potential Pitfalls in Mind

1. Expensive Investment
   
   When considering software engineering salary ranges in the United States, it is important to note that they can vary by state and level of expertise (junior, mid-level, or senior). Generally, US-based software engineers can expect to earn between $90,000 and $107,000 per year. Whether this is considered cost-effective or expensive will depend on the needs of the company. It should also be noted that IT talent in the US might be more costly than in other countries, and a higher salary may not necessarily indicate greater skill. It is possible to find highly skilled programmers for lower wages abroad.
2. Reduced Availability of Skilled Professionals
   
   You may reside in an area with a rich pool of qualified IT professionals. However, recruiting for an IT role can often be time-consuming and demanding, particularly without the support of a recruitment agency. Remote recruitment can mitigate this issue by enabling you to have access to a wider range of potential candidates and reducing the need for repetitive interviews. It is crucial to keep in mind, however, that the more precise the job criteria, the more limited the chances are of finding a suitable candidate.
3. Limited Options for Software Developers
   
   The ongoing pandemic has emphasised that remote work can be a successful arrangement for both companies and employees. Surveys and research have demonstrated that employees are keen to maintain their current remote work arrangements. It is evident that nobody wants to go back to working in an office environment, including software developers. By allowing remote work and other workplace flexibilities, businesses can attract and retain talented staff. While a higher salary may be appealing to some, the importance of a healthy work-life balance should not be disregarded.
4. High Turnover Rate
   
   The IT industry is known for its intense competition. Therefore, even when a skilled software engineer is hired, there is no guarantee that they will remain with the company for an extended period if they find a more appealing financial or benefits package elsewhere. Recruiting and retaining proficient onsite software engineers is a challenging task, and it can be even more challenging to keep them engaged and productive in the long run.

Hire a Committed Software Developer from Anywhere with Works

Companies frequently seek local or relocatable software developers to fill job vacancies, resulting in areas like Silicon Valley becoming hotspots for highly skilled professionals. Nevertheless, if you are not situated in one of these locations, should you have to compromise on the caliber of talent you can hire?

The Craft of Recruiting a Freelance Programmer

Of course, that is not true. We believe this is one of the greatest advantages of working remotely. Rather than baiting a hook and casting your line, you can cast a wide net. We are surrounded by programmers each day, providing us with access to this knowledge. There is almost an infinite pool of potential talent.

Allow us to support you with your recruitment requirements. To put it briefly, if you are seeking to hire a remote software engineer, you should begin by asking pertinent questions during your interview, or contact us. We can offer you the essential resources to comprehend your company and the particular technical skills you require in a new hire. We will gather a roster of competent, pre-screened candidates for you to examine. You could have a new team member in as little as two weeks.

If you are unsure about whether to recruit a software engineer to work from home or in an office, feel free to contact us for guidance. We have job listings for remote software engineering positions that can be performed from anywhere, which you can find here.