7 Misconceptions About Hiring Remote Developers

Remote developers can be a great asset to any company. The pandemic has forced many businesses to embrace remote work, and more developers are now working remotely than ever. Companies have experienced a hike in productivity, and there are plenty of developers out there who are looking for remote work.

The latest developer stats show that there are over 1.4 million remote developers worldwide, and that number is growing every day. It’s no wonder that companies are looking to hire remote developers – they offer many advantages.

Despite the benefits of hiring remote developers, some companies are still hesitant to do so. There are a few misconceptions about remote developers that might be holding your company back from hiring them.

Top Misconceptions About Hiring Remote Developers

After doing some research, here we have listed some common misconceptions about hiring remote developers. Have a look.

1. Remote Developers Are Less Productive

There is a common misconception that remote workers are less productive than their in-office counterparts. This simply isn’t true. Studies have shown that remote workers are more productive than their office-based counterparts.

One study found that remote workers were 13% more productive than their office-based counterparts. Another study found that remote workers took fewer sick days and were more likely to work overtime.

2. Remote Developers Are Less Motivated

Another common misconception is that remote workers are less motivated than office-based workers. Again, this isn’t true. Studies have shown that remote workers are more engaged and productive than office-based workers.

A study by Gallup found that remote workers were more likely to be engaged with their work than office-based workers. Another study found that remote workers were more productive and took fewer sick days.

3. It’s Hard to Manage Remote Developers

Many managers believe it’s hard to manage remote developers, but this isn’t true. There are plenty of tools and resources available that make it easy to manage remote teams.

One tool that can be helpful is project management software like Asana or Trello. These tools can help you keep track of deadlines, assigned tasks, and progress reports. A time tracking software like Toggl or RescueTime can help you see how your remote team is spending their time and identify areas where they might be struggling.

4. Hard to Find Qualified Remote Developers

Qualified remote developers are out there – you just need to know where to look. Many job boards and websites focus on remote work, such as We Work Remotely and FlexJobs. You can also search for “remote developer jobs” on Indeed and Monster.

Companies should also consider using a recruiting agency that specializes in remote work. These agencies can help you find the best candidates for your open positions. Also, don’t forget to post your open positions on your company website and social media channels.

5. Need to be in the Same Time Zone

You don’t need to be in the same time zone as your remote team, but it can be helpful. Having some overlap in hours can make communication and collaboration easier.

That being said, there are plenty of tools that can help with communication and collaboration, even if you’re in different time zones. Tools like Slack, Zoom and Google Hangouts make it easy to communicate with your team, no matter where they are.

6. Need to Provide a Working Space

If you’re worried about your remote team not having a place to work, don’t be. Most remote workers already have a dedicated home office or workspace. Many remote workers prefer to work from home because it allows them to create their ideal working environment.

Of course, you can always provide a stipend for your remote team to use towards their home office expenses. This is a nice perk that can help attract and retain top talent.

7. Not Ideal for Every Business

Just because remote work isn’t a good fit for every business doesn’t mean it’s not a good fit for yours. Many companies have been successful with remote teams.

Studies have shown that companies with remote teams are more productive and have lower attrition rates than those without remote teams. So, if you’re considering switching to a remote team, don’t let these misconceptions hold you back.

Conclusion

Don't let these misconceptions about remote work hold you back from hiring the best talent for your business. There are a number of benefits to working with a remote team, and plenty of tools and resources are available to help you manage them effectively. So, if you’re considering switching to a remote team, go for it!