The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered how businesses view remote working and offshore development. Before 2020, offshore teams were often seen as distant and difficult to manage, but with the widespread shift to remote working, many companies now view offshore development through a new lens.
One key change has been the realisation that a remote worker located across the city and one working overseas aren’t all that different anymore. As businesses across Australia and New Zealand have embraced remote working, the difference between an onshore remote worker and an offshore developer, particularly in nearby locations like Indonesia, has become less significant.
Time Zone Advantage: Indonesia’s Proximity
Indonesia, for example, offers a distinct time zone advantage when it comes to working with Australia and New Zealand. With only a 2-3 hour time difference, offshore developers based in Indonesia can align their working hours with onshore teams much more easily than teams in other parts of the world. This close overlap in work hours facilitates real-time communication and collaboration, leading to a more cohesive workflow.
Similarities Between Remote and Offshore Work
Both onshore remote workers and offshore developers rely heavily on communication tools like Zoom, Slack, and project management software to stay connected. The challenges faced by both groups are largely the same, including keeping up with communication and managing deadlines without in-person interaction.
However, there are some unique benefits to offshore development. By tapping into global talent pools, companies can scale their teams more flexibly, often at lower costs, while maintaining a high standard of work.
The New Era of Offshore Development
The perception of offshore development has shifted significantly, thanks to the common remote work experience we all now share. Businesses can seamlessly integrate offshore developers into their teams, just as they would an onshore remote worker. With communication tools and strategies in place, geographical distance becomes less of a hurdle and more of an opportunity to build diverse, talented teams across the globe.
