Today, I’d like to share on some of the challenges that international remote work teams usually face when working across different time zones. A multinational workforce of remote workers from many nations has given companies amazing diversity, accessibility, and opportunity. Although beneficial, managing a virtual team across various time zones can be extremely challenging. If this situation is not managed strategically, virtual teams can feel detached and isolated.  Being a member of a silent team, which does not communicate via chat, emails, video conferences, or other means, can make us feel isolated and deprive our ability to collaborate and work together effectively.  

Tips for effective collaboration and resolve your time zone challenges

Develop Flexible Working Hours 

Allowing flexible working hours in remote work has been scientifically proven to reduce burnout, stress, and psychological discomfort which can also increase job satisfaction. Team members can work when they’re most productive, whether that’s all morning or just in the afternoon or through the night, or even the combination of these three. When you factor in multiple time zones, things get a little more challenging because any questions or issues that may arise will not be addressed immediately. Encourage team members to assign predetermined time into their usual work schedules for check-ins or quick discussions about issues and concerns. 

Allow Synchronous and Asynchronous Communication 

Because of the changes in our work environment and how we execute our jobs now, traditional methods of communication are either impossible or ineffective. To efficiently communicate information across organisations, companies must build new means of communication. The smart way of using communication technologies is required to create effective and focused communication. Understanding the different types of remote work communication tools and how to balance their uses are also essential. 

In synchronous communication, the recipient expects a prompt answer. When you require immediate responses to a question, synchronous communication is ideal. It encompasses all forms of real-time communication in which replies are instantaneous. Phone calls, instant messaging, video conferences, and face-to-face interactions are examples of synchronous communication. 

Asynchronous communication, on the other hand, encompasses any sort of communication that does not occur in real time, implying that responses may come in spurts. Leaving a voicemail message or a video recording instead of making a phone call or sending an email are examples of asynchronous communication. Team members can manage their tasks and catch up on work on their own time with this type of communication. In general, asynchronous communication is desirable if reaction time is not crucial. For teams operating across borders and time zones, asynchronous communication has been recognised as the preferable option. 

Use tools to help with time zone management 

The following are some tools which are proven to facilitate time zone management: 

1. Google 

Simply look up the current time zone of the city or country with which you’re attempting to synchronise. 

2. Google Calendar 

This is more than just a calendar. Set your current time zone and bookmark the time zones you use the most so you can go back and forth quickly. In your computer settings, you may also enable the world clock, which displays a text-based clock at a glance. 

3. Every Time Zone 

This visual time zone converter makes calculating the time difference between two locations simple. 

Plan Regular Meetings 

Even if you’re already aware of your team’s time zones, having a single designated time zone for your project can help people stay on track. When you arrange regular meetings in your time zone, everyone else needs to figure out how to translate it into theirs. Everyone, regardless of where they are situated, will organise and discuss meetings or deadlines based on the same time if this is set as the ‘official’ time zone. This makes it simple for distant team members to determine and adjust their time.  

Also remember that remote workers may feel invisible and alone if their working hours differ greatly from their colleagues. Regular team meetings can be a great way to bring remote workers together and ensure that everyone is on the same page. 

Foster Respect and Cultural Awareness 

If you work in an international remote team, some of your colleagues are from different countries, so expect them to celebrate different holidays and have distinct customs. As a result of this cultural diversity, communication and collaboration can become increasingly challenging. The best thing to do at this stage is to find a way to foster respect and cultural awareness to educate team members, not only about different time zones, but even more about different cultures. The ideal approach here may be to use time zone management applications to determine the current time of your remote colleagues before starting a conversation.  

Aside from the time zone and cultural differences, different countries also have different off days. That situation must be given due consideration, especially if you are expected to work as part of a large and diverse team. A shared calendar that is kept up to date by the entire team might be a good answer to this problem, as it increases transparency and makes communication easier. 

Final words…

When managing remote teams, the most important thing to remember is to provide an inclusive experience for everyone. There is no greater approach than the other, as long as everyone, regardless of location or job preferences, feels recognised, heard, and valued. When the team and management collaborate to find the best approach in successfully traversing worldwide schedules, everyone will benefit and the company will thrive.