The Benefits of Distributed Teams

The days of relying solely on traditional on-site, nine-to-five workers are dwindling for many companies that want a more flexible approach to diversifying their workforce.

Building a distributed team lets a brand access a broader range of talent from around the globe to complement and enhance operations. It’s a model that’s steadily gaining traction with the rise of workers who want more flexibility.

Want to learn more about this dynamic model? These articles from the Hiring Headquarters—Upwork’s resource for entrepreneurs, executives, and freelancers—will answer your questions and bring you up-to-speed on some of the benefits.

Distributed Teams 101

Incorporating a team of distributed specialists into the mix can be a great way to scale your business in a cost-effective way. If you’re new to the concept of working with remote workers, it’s worth taking a moment to understand what the distributed team model looks like and how it can benefit your business.

“What Is a Distributed Team & Is It a Good Fit for Your Company?” starts by answering several basic but important questions about this hybrid approach to expanding your team. It explains what a distributed team is and how it fits into the evolving landscape of cloud-based growth. This includes a breakdown of reasons why you might consider including freelancers in your current projects or plans for future growth.

In order to help you determine whether the distributed model is a good option for your company, the piece also offers a few insights into what types of organizations can benefit the most from it, including:

Companies that need to scale upward fast. Finding freelancers is often faster than traditional hiring methods, and you can scale your team to meet growing demand over a short timespan.

New companies that are just getting started. If you need skilled team members to help out in key areas as you get up and running, the distributed approach can be a great springboard.

Businesses with specific skill needs. Filling skill gaps in your organization is easier when you have a more diverse pool of experts to draw from. Using the distributed model means you’re not just limited to local candidates.

Myth-busting Misconceptions About Working With Online Teams

It’s true: Working with remote freelancers is different than working with on-site workers, but it’s a shift many companies are gravitating toward as they grow.

Whether you’re lobbying internally to get upper management on-board with a distributed model or are simply curious about the realities of contracting with freelancers, it’s helpful to be armed with the facts.

“3 Common Myths About Online Work & Easy Ways to Dispel Them” covers some common misconceptions people have about working with online teams, and offers key insights to help dispel myths that might be holding you back from using them. If you’re skeptical about distributed teams, these important takeaways might help change your mind.

1. Distributed teams are not the same as outsourcing. Working with freelancers isn’t about finding the lowest bidder to tackle a project. It’s about finding niche experts, working collaboratively, and using good communication to get a high-quality end result for your business.
2. Engaging freelancers is much faster than hiring staff. The average time to start working with a freelancer, from first communication to bringing them onboard, is about three days. Normal hiring processes can take up to a month or more.
3. Freelancers are trustworthy additions to your team. Professional remote workers are accustomed to self-management and getting things done without constant supervision. Building strong relationships with your freelance team members helps create trust and camaraderie that can benefit everyone.

Eager to expand your business with freelance experts? Visit the Hiring Headquarters for the latest articles and insights!

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