Onshore and Offshore Teams: How to Get the Mix Right

Do you have a blend of onshore and offshore teams for your business? We detail how to get the mix right.

As soon as you step out of your home country, you quickly realise things are done differently.

Whether it’s tipping, customer service, or attention-to-detail, no two countries are the same.

These differences filter down to the way business is conducted and employees operate.

And these distinctions can create issues if you have a mix of onshore and offshore teams for your business.

Never fear. We have a bunch of top tips to help you get the balance right and maximise the value that this combination offers to your organisation.

It’s all about team unity. Credit: Merakist on Unsplash.

1. Context Matters

Remember, what you are used to is not necessarily the right way.

You might wish for things to be done a certain way according to what you’re accustomed to. But deeming one way right and another wrong is a sure-fire means of limiting your company’s growth and rejecting the various perspectives that could indeed provide you with another angle or approach to doing business.

Acknowledging and supporting differences leads to improved teamwork, which in turn creates better business outcomes.

The ‘right’ way is not always black and white. Credit: Shane on Unsplash.

2. Be Practical

Systems, communication, and protocols – make sure everything is shared online and everyone has access to relevant documents.

It’s frustratingly inconvenient for an employee when they do not have the necessary information to complete a task during their workday, while it’s 4am your time. Some workflow software options include YouTrack, Workflowy, and Asana.

Whatever you choose, be it Google Docs or anything else, make sure the status of tasks and projects is obvious to all.

Ensure your onshore and offshore teams have necessary access to documents and the like for a smoother workflow. Credit: Crew on Unsplash.

3. Partner-up Onshore and Offshore Workers

Consider implementing a buddy system between the two teams. Hopefully, there’s at least a half-day time zone overlap.

This is a great system to build confidence, collaboration, and communication. Also, having a go-to person for the offshore workers is vital when issues or questions arise. Don’t let queries go unanswered in the email void.

Additionally, this process increases the accountability and responsibility of your offshore team.

Ensure the two teams overlap, where possible. Credit: Linkedin Sales Solutions on Unsplash.

4. Embrace Communication Tools

As mentioned, it pays to sidestep the dreaded email void. To help with this, don’t rely on email as the only means of contact with your offshorers. Set up a group chat, WhatsApp group message, or whatever platform has the capacity to enhance communication.

However, be respectful of respective time zones when communicating, particularly where instant messaging is concerned.

Embrace tools that support regular communication between onshore and offshore teams. Credit: Amin Moshrefi on Unsplash.

5. Hold Regular Meetings

The blend between onshore and offshore teams is not like a standard office where you can get a feel for what does and doesn’t work in order to drive the best outcomes.

Structured meetings aid productivity and workflow. They ensure all staff are up-to-speed with tasks and deadlines and help to build culture and manage expectations on both ends.

Also, this is where brainstorming and ideas are often nurtured.

Your offshore team may have some great ideas but if not given the appropriate platform or a full understanding of what’s happening in your business, these ideas will remain dormant and your business unchanged.

Overall, encouraging open and honest dialogue between your two offices with regularity helps to create one, happy workplace.

Are you new to the idea of offshoring? This article detailing 10 Things to Know before Hiring your Offshore Team is full of handy hints.

Regular communication between your onshore and offshore teams helps to create cohesion. Credit: Campaign Creators on Unsplash.

Experts With Onshore and Offshore Teams

At Hunt & Hawk, we are experts when it comes to blending your onshore and offshore teams to create a united and highly-functioning workplace.

To find out more, contact us at hello@huntandhawk.com or book a meeting to chat.

For more marketing, branding, and sales tips and insights and plenty else, check out more of our blog.