Working with remote team members has proven valuable as a strategic way to leverage resources from across the globe.
No longer limited to in-house skills or nearby contractors, companies can overcome working challenges and boost productivity by collaborating with remote team members.
Businesses looking for outsourcing solutions can access a wide range of top talent from around the world.
That said, getting access to expertise in a different time zone could prove challenging, especially if you are not used to working across multiple time zones and varying business hours.
Also, the question arises as to whether an outsourced provider should be selected based on specific time zones, or if a broader range of working options could be considered.
In this guide, we will explore the pros and cons of hiring within or outside of your timezone, and what you need to consider when working across time zones.
Getting access to a diverse workforce: The powerful impact of company outsourcing
Imagine not having the resources necessary for your company to thrive, or having an in-house team struggling to keep up with their daily workloads.
Outsourcing solutions do away with these challenges thanks to third-party providers performing tasks or handling operations that are part of the core competencies.
Several tasks can be outsourced, from straightforward data entry to recruitment, customer service, and financial services such as accounts payable and payroll processing.
Outsourcing is often pursued due to its cost-effectiveness and its potential as a successful strategic management tool.
When working with outsourced remote team members, companies can tap into a diverse talent pool to find providers with the ability to collaborate on specific tasks. This allows access to the best talent and cutting-edge resources, resulting in high-quality output.
However, businesses need to decide early: Whether they should hire within or outside their time zones.
Let’s review the advantages and challenges of working outside of time zones.
Benefits of working across multiple time zones
Outsourcing tasks across different time zones have several advantages.
Here are some benefits to consider:
Improved work-life balance
When companies outsource non-core tasks, they free up their staff members to focus on their main projects without the worry of time constraints.
Also, as is the case with several providers offering 24/7 services in multiple time zones, in-house team members need not worry about these service offerings, as they are handled by outsourced team members.
Furthermore, with more available time, in-house teams can dedicate their efforts to developing strategies and expanding their client bases. This allows them to maintain competitiveness in their respective areas of expertise.
Front-row access to a key talent pool
Once time zone constraints are eliminated, employers can consider talent from different countries, all of which can provide high-quality services at competitive costs to fit any budget.
Working with third-party providers enables a company to build a diverse workforce, which can contribute to the success of various projects.
A cultural boost
Companies with international branches can easily overcome communication difficulties and barriers thanks to outsourced providers, who are familiar with local languages and can minimise the risk of misunderstandings.
This allows clients to receive swift feedback in their native languages, reducing language barriers and isolation.
Cultural differences can be easily managed to ensure that customers remain happy and satisfied.
Improved productivity
When tasks are divided between in-house team members and external providers, work can be completed faster, easier, and with better focus.
This is why outsourcing companies today can easily become essential parts of a business strategy – they can future-proof a company thanks to their services.
Extended working hours
Remote team members in different time zones can offer increased availability to customers and in-house team members.
A global team can ensure a high level of client satisfaction, attending to each call or query regardless of your local time zone.
How to overcome the challenges of outsourcing across multiple time zones
Some challenges of working across time zones can be easily overcome with the right approach.
Consider the tips below:
Be clear on expectations for meetings and daily check-ins to avoid communication challenges
Communication challenges can arise when working with team members in different time zones.
This is why regular communication and daily check-ins must be carefully scheduled.
Companies should establish a clear communication strategy to overcome challenges when working across different time zones and aim to find common ground to ensure they can reap all the benefits of outsourcing.
Adopting flexible strategies can help companies manage remote teams in different time zones
Companies that are willing to adapt their working styles and work according to a schedule that suits everyone will be better equipped to incorporate remote work into their business strategies.
They can still pursue their business objectives and establish KPIs while ensuring that providers in different time zones can deliver the required quality of work.
Use online collaboration tools
Several online tools can help businesses collaborate efficiently with teams in different time zones.
These tools include popular platforms such as Slack, Asana, Google Meet, and Trello, to name just a few.
Establish upfront which platforms would best suit all teams and ensure that all parties are comfortable working with specific software.
This will ensure a smoother workflow across different time zones and prevent communication discrepancies.
Only work with trusted providers to ensure the safety of sensitive data
Proven providers with impeccable track records will ensure that business data is handled exceptionally.
They will make every effort and utilize cutting-edge technology tools to protect information at all costs and mitigate any risks.
Considerations for hiring within your time zone
Different time zones may not be ideal for company working schedules, as some may prefer to hire within their own time zones to ensure customers can reach them during specific hours.
Here are some advantages of hiring within your time zone:
Easier communication and collaboration
Hiring within your time zone can make communication and collaboration easier and ensure there aren’t any communication challenges or after-hours messages that come through when your office has closed for the day.
Also, in-house employees have more control over operations and decision-making, as they can quickly collaborate and brainstorm with teams.
Hiring employees in close proximity also helps companies maintain better control over tasks and projects, ultimately improving overall productivity.
Increased control and oversight
For some companies, having more control and input is essential when hiring outsourced partners.
Also, in-house teams can more easily respond to changing market conditions and customer needs when working with partners in close proximity, making it a feasible solution for business operations.
Making the right decision for your business
Outsourcing for the right business can provide huge benefits. It’s all about making the best decision for your organisation.
It can provide access to global talent and improved work-life balance. However, it can also lead to communication challenges and difficulty managing remote teams.
Companies need to consider their own business operations and goals when making a decision.
Those who prefer more control and communication during their local business hours may want to hire locally, while others may require 24/7 services, such as call centers, which can be located anywhere in the world.
Always consider your business needs and determine which team option best suits your business strategy.
Want to know more?
Our expert team is ready to help you with information about qualified providers and provide guidance on whether hiring within or outside your time zone would be suitable for your business.
Contact us today – we look forward to hearing from you!
