Many people have a misconception about onboarding nearshore software developers because they are not physically on-site and only need to contact one or two people in the company; I can assure you that this is nothing but a lie.
Every employee in your company must be aligned with the vision and mission of the people who lead it for it to meet its goals efficiently and repeatedly; they need to be aware of how everything works and why it has to operate in a certain way and whom they work for. A team's strength depends on each member; even those thousands of miles away need to know the secret handshake.
Whether in-house or nearshore, all software developers have a common objective
The first thing you need to show your new staff member the ropes. Ensure that your nearshore software developer feels like they belong in the company and that they're not just appendages. This is important so they understand the structure, processes, and deadlines that must be met and fulfilled. It's straightforward for an employee with no human contact with anyone in your company to see it as a virtual entity; it's in your best interest to humanize your company.
The basics are as follows:
Your nearshore software developer should have a direct point of contact for the first few weeks of work. You don't want to leave your new nearshore employee to their own devices; it's best to assign someone to them who can answer any questions and explain the proper communication channels.
Make sure your new employee doesn't feel overwhelmed. The instinct may be to get the new guy working immediately, but you must be patient. Avoid overloading the newbie with information.
The new software developer should be introduced to the team, even if they start with one specific guide. Welcoming someone into a new job is crucial. It will feel less like a drag and more like a valuable and beneficial responsibility because they feel a part of a whole.
Virtual Technologies Simplify Team Building with your Nearshore Software Developer
Although team-building activities may not be everyone's cup of tea, they can be crucial in creating and reaffirming a company's culture. According to Teamstation.dev the system averaged 60 activities for new hires across over 200 onboardings; At the same time, 60 might seem excessive; falling short of that number won't cause a catastrophe, but it should be a strong indication of what is important to engage new employees.
Especially now that the pandemic lockdown is in effect, video conferencing platforms have made these activities more straightforward than ever. Be surprised at how many group cohesion can be achieved through a virtual happy hour of Pictionary or Trivia.
Treat your nearshore developer as you would any other new employee; walk them through, make sure they understand your framework, introduce them to every team member, and stay in touch as much as possible. People are more efficient and interested in a company's success if they feel part of it.
