Working in an international team opens up incredible opportunities for career growth. But sometimes, it is challenging to get on board because of different time zones and the specifics of remote communication. That's why we gathered five recommendations to help you adapt and succeed in a global work environment, regardless of your position.
1. Master asynchronous communication
Real-time meetings aren't always possible when teammates live in different time zones. The problem is solved with project management tools, clear documentation, and detailed updates to keep everyone in the loop. Moreover, companies implement mandatory weekly calls to discuss critical tasks and progress.
2. Consider cultural differences
Take time to learn about your teammates' backgrounds, work styles, and holidays. This will foster better collaboration and stronger relationships.
3. Be time-zone aware
Scheduling can be tricky when your team is scattered around the world. However, the common practice is to set "core hours" when everyone must be online despite their local time.
4. Follow communication rules
Language barriers sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Typically, English is chosen as the language for communication in international teams. Whether you're writing emails, chatting, or on video calls, try to use short sentences and avoid slang to ensure everyone understands you.
5. Keep work-life balance
Remote work across time zones doesn't mean you must be available 24/7. Discuss your working hours with your team leader to prevent burnout and excessive workload. Respect others' schedules as well to create a healthy and productive work environment.
At WizardsDev, we hire experts from around the world. All our communication between teammates takes place in Discord, along with project management tools like Jira. We have over 300 employees and know all the ins and outs of establishing effective work processes to keep our team aligned and productive.
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