Working with a multinational workforce is not a simple task; it necessitates several modifications and adaptations. Use this article as a guide to get past these problems, and you'll be well on your way to making meaningful connections with people in different time zones.
global team, remote, time zones
Do you work on a dispersed team? If so, you're aware of the difficulties in staying on the same page that come with working remotely.
It might be tough to manage multiple time zones, language barriers, and cultural differences. You also need to know the difference between synchronous and asynchronous communication and when to use each one.
However, they are not insurmountable obstacles.
In this blog, we will share our best practices for working successfully with a worldwide team in a remote work environment:
To work effectively with a remote team, you must put in the effort and develop strong relationships across time zones. Of course, this will be difficult at first, but it will be worthwhile in the end. Here are some ideas for collaborating as an efficient global team.
Recognize the effects of working across several time zones.
To begin, you must comprehend the notion of time zones. Time zones are areas of the world where people have the same amount of daylight at the same time of year.
This implies that just because one team member is working while another is asleep doesn't mean they can't communicate or collaborate efficiently (unless this pattern repeats itself for several weeks).
If people on your team work in different time zones, you will have to talk to each other most of the time at different times.
Use async communication as much as feasible.
Asynchronous communication refers to working without having direct contact with others, such as through email, online chat, or transmitting video communications such as Loom videos. It also implies that you are not necessarily conversing at the same moment. Learning to be a great async communicator will be the most important component of your success when working in a remote environment. But it doesn't have to be that way if you manage your team and plan your work around everyone's time zone.
Schedule any meetings during times when everyone can attend.
This is simple for teams that operate with people in two or three adjacent time zones. However, it gets more difficult when dealing with a worldwide workforce (people who work on opposite sides of the world). For example, if one person works in Australia and another in the United States, it may be difficult to attend a meeting at the same time unless the Australian gets up very early in the morning.
Treat your team as though you're all in the same time zone.
To operate more efficiently with scattered teams, treat them as if they were all working in the same office building. Even though this might not work in real life, it is the way you need to think in order to plan your time and responsibilities.
You'll also want each team member to work in a secluded environment with few distractions (a quiet office or home office). If coworkers are nearby, ask them to share a workstation so they can readily collaborate on tasks as needed.
When scheduling meetings, use caution.
Finally, make a practice of organizing team meetings at times that are convenient for everyone. This ensures that all of your coworkers may attend and participate in talks without having to get up early or stay up late.
Know your remote team's working hours
It's not all 9-5 anymore with remote teams, with some choosing to get a head start before the day begins, and others starting late but working in the evening. When you meet with the same folks on a regular basis, make the effort to learn when they work remotely.
When working with a team that is spread out, it's important to know the difference between sync and asynchronous communication and why asynchronous communication is so important.
Synchronous communication ("sync") occurs when talks take place in real time, allowing for quick reactions and feedback amongst coworkers. This may be done via phone conversations, video chats, or even an instant messaging tool like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
Asynchronous communication ("async") occurs when information is transmitted at different times with a delay in between. For example, writing an email, sending a Loom video, or leaving a voice message for someone so they may react whenever it works best with their schedule (and yours).
As much as possible, use async.
The most crucial thing to do while working remotely is to become comfortable communicating asynchronously whenever feasible. Even if your whole team is located in various big cities or countries, with geographical and time zone disparities, none of this matters for successful async communication.
Async communication hints:
Common Errors When Working With a Dispersed Team
The time zone is incorrect.
We frequently believe that when we meet someone new, they are in the same time zone as us. When organizing a conference or call with remote team members, make sure to ask them what time zone they are in so that you can account for any time difference with their local time.
Instead of speaking, send an email
We may all get caught up in our own hectic lives. It's tempting to believe that sending someone a brief email would save them time, yet it may really waste more of their day. Pick up the phone and speak it out if you need something done quickly or if you need your coworker to make a choice right now.
Why do time zones exist?
Time zones are geographical areas where people experience comparable daylight hours at any particular time of year. They were made in the 1800s because people all over the world needed a consistent way to keep track of time.
Time zone etiquette
It is critical to be aware of your coworkers' time zones when working across time zones. You should avoid organizing meetings when you know everyone will be asleep, but this isn't always practicable if you work with colleagues in several countries. If you need to plan something during off-hours, make sure it is acceptable beforehand.
How can I find out what time zone someone is in?
To find out what time zone your colleague is in, utilize an internet tool like TimeAndDate.com. You may also ask them what times they are accessible and when their day begins and ends, so you know how much overlap there will be with yours.
Daylight Saving Time
The Daylight Savings Time (DST) framework was created by Benjamin Franklin during his stay in Paris and is concerned with accelerating the standard time within the region or zone by one hour in order to lengthen daylight time. "Spring ahead. Fall back," as the adage goes in the United States. Certain nations refuse to use a specific method with its time standard intact. Iceland, Russia, Turkey, China, Japan, and India, for example, are not like this.
UTC time
Many countries use UTC as a common time zone. Because it does not use DST, UTC is always on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Greenwich Mean Time
UTC = GMT is an international reference point established in 1884 by Sir George Airy, then Astronomer Royal of England. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) was named after Airy's prime meridian, which was at the Royal Greenwich Observatory in Greenwich, England.
What time zones are there in the United States?
The United States is divided into four time zones. Eastern Standard Time (EST) extends from Maine to Florida, whereas Central Standard Time (CST) extends from Texas to Montana. Mountain Standard Time (MST) goes from the Rocky Mountains in Utah to Arizona, while Pacific Standard Time (PST) includes California, Nevada, and Washington State.
Working with a multinational workforce is not a simple task; it necessitates several modifications and adaptations from both managers and individuals. But once you know how to work well with a team that is spread out, it can be a very rewarding experience.
Use this article as a guide to get past these problems, and you'll be well on your way to making meaningful connections with people in different time zones.
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