The Most Overlooked Remote Work Best Practices for Tech Teams

While many remote work best practices are well-known, there are several that are often overlooked by tech teams. 

Proper documentation is crucial in tech work, but teams often overlook setting and enforcing documentation standards. 

Inconsistent or inadequate documentation can lead to confusion and inefficiency.

Remote work can make it harder for team members to spontaneously share insights, leading to silos of knowledge.

Establish clear channels for knowledge sharing and make it a part of your team’s workflow. Encourage a culture of knowledge sharing. 

Remote work can pose security risks. 

Tech teams should receive regular training on cybersecurity best practices, including recognizing phishing attempts, password management, and data protection.

While pair programming is a common practice in co-located teams, it’s often neglected in remote teams. 

Utilize tools for remote pair programming to facilitate collaboration and code quality.

Mentorship can be challenging in remote settings, but it’s crucial for the professional development of junior team members. 

Establish mentorship programs and provide guidance on how to conduct effective mentoring remotely.

Remote work can lead to feelings of isolation and burnout. 

Providing resources and support for mental health and well-being is often overlooked but is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive team.

When working with remote team members across different time zones, it’s crucial to consider time zone differences when scheduling meetings and setting expectations for availability.

Remote tech professionals may struggle with setting clear boundaries between work and personal life.

Encourage your team to maintain a healthy work-life balance and set clear working hours.

Ensure that your tech team has the necessary test environments for developing and testing software. Neglecting this can lead to delays and inefficient development.

Neglecting regular audit code for quality and security can lead to technical debt and vulnerabilities.

Establish a feedback loop where team members can express concerns, offer suggestions, and provide input on the remote work process. Continuous improvement is key.

These often-overlooked best practices can make a significant difference in the effectiveness and satisfaction of remote tech teams. 

Paying attention to these areas can help you create a more productive, engaged, and cohesive remote tech workforce.