With all the work done at the office, companies may often need extra help for their operations. This is where outsourced remote teams come in.
These teams boost companies’ productivity while improving other aspects like efficiency. But like any other team, these teams deliver the best results when they are in their A-game.
And for that to happen, they need to be motivated and that requires effort.
Why Outsourced Teams Lose Their Motivation
Like any work, being part of an outsourced team is no easy walk. Members can struggle to keep their morale up. There are four common reasons why this happens.
A Feeling Of Distance
Being far away from headquarters physically, the outsourced team can sometimes feel disconnected from their in-house counterparts.
IMAGE: Picture of teammates far apart from each other ✓
Distance may also mean differences in languages, culture, and work styles. This distance can cause outsourced remote teams to feel isolated, even with fellow outsourced team members.
The Struggle To Fit In
The cultural difference between the outsourced team and their clients and in-house counterparts often make fitting in difficult. Outsourced team members might find it a challenge to find some common ground to work with and this can lead to frustrations on both sides.
Connecting With Management
Alongside the struggle to connect with their in-house colleagues, outsourced remote teams might also find it hard to reach management. This can become an issue when raising concerns.
The disconnect often happens because of the organizational setup. Outsourced team members have to go through intermediaries before they can reach the internal higher management.
They also worry the management might not receive their concerns at all. Worse, even if their concerns reach management, nothing is done to address them.
The Concern For Stability
Being external contractors, outsourced remote teams also worry about job security. They fear that their contracts will be terminated at any time.
This worry can build up and lead to outsourced team members losing interest in the work.
This loss of motivation will significantly impact their ability to do their job, as they become disinterested in delivering a good performance.
Why Motivation Matters For Outsourced Remote Teams
Desiring To Go Beyond
Delivering the expected service is already a good result for businesses.
But going beyond that opens a plethora of opportunities.
For instance, a higher-than-average quality of service will retain more customers. It also creates a more positive image for the brand.
IMAGE: Store with many customers✓
Part of that hinges on the team’s motivation level. When they see that there is a lot they can gain from going the extra mile, they become more enthusiastic doing it. This can boost their performance by up to 20%.
Boosting Business Development
A strong motivation also encourages the outsourced remote team to engage customers more actively. This pays off for customer retention, as your patrons become more invested in the services the company delivers.
A motivated outsourced team also becomes more interested in seeing the client’s business develop. After all, their continued growth brings in more opportunities.
They become more open about contributing new ideas for business development.
The outsourced teams will be ready to give clients an entirely new perspective on how to improve their businesses, thus adding more value to the service they deliver beyond immediate results.
How To Keep Outsourced Remote Teams Motivated
Companies might not think of it that much, but they also play a significant role in keeping the morale of outsourced remote teams up.
It isn’t just about ensuring the team can deliver the service they promised. They also strengthen their relations with these team members.
Helping Outsourced Remote Teams Find Their Place
The first task companies need to fulfill is helping their outsourced remote teams find their place in the organization. Companies should explain clearly what role these teams play in the success of the business.
They should also clarify the outsourced team’s place in their future business development and objectives. Knowing this helps the team members align their goals with those of the company. It also gives them the assurance they need about their future.
Companies can also have a more fun approach to welcoming outsourced remote teams through “team swag”. Giving members items with company branding is a great way to show they are part of the squad. These items should be ones that they are most likely to use daily for them to appreciate the gesture more.
Addressing Their Needs
Like in-house teams, outsourced remote teams have needs. While the outsourcing provider handles these directly, clients can extend their help to ensure that these needs are met.
One common need outsourced remote teams have is flexible work. Companies can address these by working with outsourcing service providers to create suitable work schedules for outsourced teams.
IMAGE: Remote worker working outside the office✓
Effective communication lines are another essential need for outsourced teams. Companies should ensure that the external teams are well-integrated into the communication network. They should also take into consideration these teams’ preferred channels.
Lastly, there is the matter of well-being. While the management of the outsourcing service provider will handle most of this need, client companies should actively ensure the outsourced team is well taken care of. They can work closely with providers to create wellness programs that fit their team members.
Giving The Outsourced Team The Respect And Recognition
Outsourced remote teams are just as integral to the success of operations as their in-house counterparts. Hence, it is just right to recognize their efforts.
This all begins with a simple congratulatory message for the work they have done. Such messages already serve as a powerful encouragement for them. Clients are also encouraged to take the initiative to give more rewards for reaching milestones.
Respect also plays a role in giving outsourced teams recognition. Here, companies need to acknowledge the expertise of these outsourced talents. Including them in the planning stages like brainstorming sessions is a good way to encourage them to share their know-how.
Providing More Opportunities
Nothing motivates teams more than if they have something to look forward to in the future. For outsourced teams, this means more opportunities.
Clients can open those opportunities to outsourced teams by providing them with the training they need. They can do this in various ways that would suit the team best, including:
- Online knowledge repositories
- Online courses
- Certification programs
- Remote workshops
We at Virtua Solutions use these different methods to continuously prepare our team members to work for clients.
Companies should work closely with the outsourcing company’s management to create a program that can foster the team’s strengths.
Keep Your Outsourced Team’s Spirit Up And Head Towards Success
Outsourced remote teams are not just extra workers. They are vital partners in a company’s success.
Companies should always be ready to extend their hands and help outsourced teams get in the right mindset. Even a small gesture like showing great respect for them can go a long way in getting your team all psyched up.
Assemble a highly motivated team on the go with Virtua Solutions!.
We will search for individuals who share your vision and are ready to give their best. We will help you get them to deliver the best results.
Get ready to bring in a highly motivated team that will steer your business toward success.