You’ve probably heard of virtual teams, but you may not know what they are or what advantages they offer. A virtual team is a group of people who work together online to achieve a common goal. They have become the norm for many businesses, thanks to advances in technology and the ever-growing remote workforce. In fact, according to a report on remote work statistics, published in January of this year, 55% of businesses globally offer some capacity for remote work, 18% of those telecommute on a full-time basis, and 2.9% of the total U.S. workforce work remotely at least half the time. What do we bet these numbers will continue to rise? There are just so many advantages of virtual teams. Here are 5 of them:
1- Increased enticements, flexibility and mobility for employees
In that same report, we find that nearly a third of all telecommuters are saving upwards of $5,000 per year by doing so and earning $4,000 more per year, on average. If that isn’t enough enticement on it’s own, consider the flexibility this type of work allows for. Just being able to stop and take a break to throw a load of laundry in and make some lunch in your own kitchen is an invaluable element to many. Not to mention saving money on gas and office attire. Plus, being able to travel while keeping your work schedule – this all adds up to the holy grail of job conditions for most. So, just right there we can see that there are many benefits of working in a virtual team .The increased flexibility and mobility leads to happier, more productive workers. In fact, once they have experienced working from home it makes it near impossible for them to consider another office job.
2 – Easier to find specialized talent
We couldn’t believe more in the importance of virtual teams! Finding specialized talent is much easier when you don’t have to confine yourself to geographical boundaries. You can start by looking online for remote staffing agencies that specialize in finding the best talent for your specific needs. These agencies have databases of qualified professionals who are already vetted and ready to work. They also have the resources and expertise to help you find the right fit for your team. Don’t be afraid to ask around or post a job ad on social media or job boards. The best candidates will likely come to you if you cast a wide net. And finally, don’t forget to make sure your company culture is one that will attract top talent. Always be a place people are proud to work for.
3 – More opportunities for collaboration
With everyone working remotely, team members can easily communicate and share ideas across different time zones. This type of communication can lead to some great outcomes, as long as you have the right tools in place. You’ll definitely need an instant messenger app like Slack, a really great project management software and maybe even a time zone clock showing where everyone is and what time it is for them. Communicating with people all over the globe in real time makes it possible to get work done faster and really widens the pool of possibilities when it comes time to fill a position. This is just one reason why virtual teams are important.
4 – Greater efficiency and productivity
A virtual team can be just as (if not more) productive than a traditional office-based team. By choosing the right communication and collaboration tools, you can create an environment where your remote workers feel like they’re part of the team and are able to contribute their best work. It’s reported that 77% of telecommuters are more productive. These telecommuters said that the secret to boosting productivity is to take frequent breaks.
5 – Reduced costs
Sometimes people wonder why virtual teams are important. Well, for one, many sources state that they feel virtual teams are much more cost effective and productive than a traditional in-office team. They allow businesses to tap into global talent pools at a fraction of the cost of traditional recruitment methods. What’s not to love? A virtual team can save your business money in a number of ways. By eliminating the need for an office space and equipment, you’ll reduce your overhead costs. You may also save on things like travel expenses and food costs. And, if you outsource to countries with lower labor costs, you can save even more. In fact, it is said that companies are saving around $11,000 per year for each employee they allow to be remote, even just part of the time.
Start Building a Virtual Team!
So there you have it! There are many benefits of working in a virtual team. By utilizing the latest technology, you can break down geographical barriers and create a cohesive team that is productive and efficient. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to start building your team in this way, we hope that this article has helped tip the scales in favor of giving it a try. And if you’re already enjoying the benefits of virtual teamwork, don’t stop! Keep up the good work and contact us, your virtual marketing department, if you need any help along the way.
