According to Deloitte’s 2019 Global Human Capital Trends report, nearly half of the respondents are using alternative workforce models in their organizations, like team extensions, to drive growth.
That’s right. Instead of going through the lengthy and often complex process of traditional hiring, businesses are now leaning towards team extensions. This approach not only offers a quick skill boost but also dodges many of the hassles tied to full-time hires.
Join us as we explore the top 10 compelling reasons why team extension is becoming a preferred choice for businesses worldwide.
What Is A Team Extension?
A team extension is a model used by IT companies to strengthen your team. If you’re missing certain skills, especially in software development, these IT companies step in.
They provide you with software developers who have the exact skills you need. It’s different from hiring a full-time employee.
Instead, you’re tapping into an external pool of talent for a specific purpose, and once the project is finished, the team extension wraps up.
How Does It Work?
When you decide to use a team extension, it starts by recognizing where your current team might be lacking, especially in areas related to software development. Then comes the decision: do you hire these developers directly from places like freelance platforms, or do you seek out IT staffing providers for assistance?
If you go the direct route, the responsibility falls squarely on you. You’ll manage these developers, assign them tasks, review their work, and ensure they’re in sync with your main team. It’s hands-on, giving you direct oversight of the entire process.
On the other hand, working with IT staffing providers offers a bit of a buffer. They don’t just provide the manpower but also guide you through the recruitment process.
They ensure that the developers you get not only have the right skills but also understand and adapt to your company’s culture. It’s like having an ally to help your team grow in the right direction.
When To Use Team Extension Services?
Using team extension services can be beneficial under several circumstances. Here’s when it makes the most sense:
- Skill Gaps: When your team lacks specific expertise for a project.
- Short Projects: For tasks that are temporary and outside regular duties.
- Budget Limitations: If full-time hiring is too costly.
- Overflowing Tasks: To handle an overload and avoid delays or quality drops.
6 Benefits of Team Extension To Power Up Your Business
Jumping onto the team extension model can be game-changing for businesses. Here’s a deeper dive into its advantages:
1. Allows Your Business To Scale Faster
Growth often demands new tech talents. With team extensions, there’s no waiting for the perfect hire through traditional channels. You can rapidly connect with an IT firm and onboard a skilled developer in a fraction of the time it would usually take. This also means your main team can spend more time on things like marketing and improving the product.
2. Offers More Flexibility
Geographical boundaries fade away with team extensions. Whether you need a Python expert from Ukraine or a UI/UX specialist from Argentina, the world becomes your talent pool. It ensures you always secure top-tier professionals irrespective of their location.
3. Access To Diverse Skills
While there are plenty of Java developers around, it can be trickier to find experts in other, specific technologies. For instance, say you need a React developer for a new web application. With team extensions, you can easily tap into a global network and find that expert React developer, even if they’re rare in your local job market. This ensures you get the right skill for the job every time.
4. Cost-Effective
Team extensions offer financial benefits. Hiring local developers might come with high costs due to regional demands. However, through team extensions, you can tap into areas where quality talent is available at more competitive rates, ensuring you get excellent value for your investment.
5. Speed Up Your Projects
Every project comes with its unique challenges. Perhaps there’s a coding bottleneck, or a part of the project requires specialized knowledge. Team extensions allow you to swiftly bring in experts tailored to that specific challenge.
Instead of your team hitting pause or slowing down to figure things out, these experts can quickly address and resolve these challenges, keeping the momentum going and ensuring timely completion.
6. Minimizes The Risks
Every time you hire someone, there’s some risk. But with team extensions, the IT companies help pick out the best folks. This means you get trusted, tested people to work with. And if your needs change, it’s easy to adjust with team extensions.
Some Challenges You Might Face With Team Extension
While team extensions have many benefits, they also come with a few challenges to keep in mind. Just like anything else, it’s not only about the upsides; there are a few bumps to watch out for too.
Here are some potential challenges you might face:
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Results Take Time:
Even with the best talent on board, immediate results might not be guaranteed. For instance, when a new technology is being integrated into an existing project, there’s a learning curve for both the extended team and your current staff.
Consider a scenario where you bring in a specialist to implement AI features. While they might set it up swiftly, training the model and refining it for accuracy can take time. Patience becomes essential as results mature over time.
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Initial Integration:
Getting new talent up to speed isn’t always instantaneous. They need to familiarize themselves with your company’s specific processes, tools, and software stacks. Let’s say you’re using a unique combination of software tools.
The new developer, while experienced, might need a week or two to get acquainted with your setup. This can mean a slight delay in the beginning before things pick up speed.
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Cultural Differences:
Diverse teams bring varied perspectives, which is a strength. However, they also come with their own set of work ethics, communication styles, and expectations.
For example, a developer from Scandinavia might be used to a flat organizational structure, while one from a more hierarchical culture might wait for explicit instructions. Understanding and bridging these differences is vital to ensure smooth collaboration.
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Alignment With In-House Developers:
Your existing team has its workflow and dynamics. Integrating external talent can sometimes cause disruptions or differences in opinion on how things should be done.
For instance, your in-house team might prefer Agile methodologies, while the extended member is more attuned to the Waterfall model. Such differences need to be ironed out to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Tips To Effectively Manage The Team Extension
While these challenges might seem daunting, don’t worry! Here are some practical tips to navigate them and make the most of your team extension:
- Always keep the lines of communication open.
- Employ tools like Slack, Trello, or Microsoft Teams to keep everyone on the same page.
- Right from the start, be clear about your goals, timelines, and deliverables.
- Consider training sessions to help everyone understand and respect cultural nuances.
- Provide feedback on their work, and encourage the extended team to share their insights.
- Conduct onboarding sessions where the extended team can get familiar with company policies, tools, and the main team’s workflow.
- Assign a team lead or manager who can be the go-to person for the extended team members.
Step-By-Step Guide To Choose a Reliable Team Extension Partner
Selecting the right team extension partner is pivotal to the success of your projects. Here’s a guide to help you find a partner that aligns with your goals and ensures a productive collaboration:
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Assess Your Needs
Before adding more people to your team, ask yourself a few simple questions. Why do you need more team members? Maybe you have more work than before, or there’s a skill no one in your team has. Figure out what exactly you need. Is it a coder? A designer? Once you know, think about how you’ll work with them. Will they join your team meetings? Which tools will they use? Answering these questions will help you add the right people in the right way.
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Look For the Right Partner According To Your Needs
After you know what you need, it’s time to find the right partner. To start, think about where to look. You can search on Google or find it through forums or Clutch. You can also ask other businesses for recommendations.
When searching, make sure to pick partners that match what you need. Read reviews, ask for examples of their work, and talk to them before deciding. This way, you can find the best fit for your team and your project.
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Interview and Test Potential Partners
Once you’ve shortlisted some partners, don’t rush into a decision. Set up interviews to chat with them. Ask questions about their experience and how they handle challenges. You can also give them a small test project. This helps you see their skills in action.
Remember, you want a partner who understands your needs and can work well with your team. By talking and testing, you’ll find the best match.
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Set Clear Expectations and Communication Channels
After choosing a partner, it’s important to start on the right foot. Make sure both sides know what’s expected. Discuss project goals, deadlines, and any important details.
Decide how often you’ll check in and what tools you’ll use to communicate, like email or messaging apps. Having clear plans and open communication from the start helps avoid problems and keeps the project moving smoothly.
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Monitor Progress and Provide Feedback
Once the project kicks off, stay involved. Check-in regularly to see how things are going. This isn’t just about catching mistakes; it’s also a chance to give positive feedback and keep the team motivated.
If there are any issues or changes needed, speak up. The sooner you address concerns, the easier they are to fix. Remember, a successful partnership is built on trust and open communication.
Codesy Can Be The Next Best Bet For Your Team Extension
At Codesy, we’re not just a team; we bring together 750+ years of combined experience from all around the world. This means we’ve seen a lot, learned a lot, and are ready to share that knowledge with startups like yours.
When you partner with Codesy, you’re getting more than just extra hands; you’re getting the insights and expertise of professionals who’ve been in the game for a long time.
Imagine having global experience right by your side, helping your startup flourish. That’s what Codesy offers. So, if you’re looking to give your startup a boost with wisdom from around the globe, get in touch with us. We’re here and excited to help your project succeed.
