3 Interns collaborating in a project

Value of Internship Programs for Junior Developers and Crossbridge’s Role in Investing in Young Talent

by BlogIT IndustryIT Staffing
3 Interns collaborating in a project

 

 

Internship Programs are a valuable experience for junior developers, offering them the opportunity to gain real-world experience, learn from experienced professionals, and build their portfolios. Crossbridge is a company that invests in young talent by providing them with opportunities that help them become skilled professionals.

Key benefits of internships for junior developers

  • Gain real-world experience. Interns have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. This experience can help them to develop their skills and knowledge, and to better understand the demands of the job market.
  • Learn from experienced professionals. This can help them to develop their skills and knowledge more quickly, and to learn about the industry’s best practices.
  • Build their portfolios. Internships can help junior developers build their portfolios and showcase their skills to potential employers, which is a valuable asset when they are applying for jobs.

Crossbridge’s internship programs are highly selective, and we filter all the talent who have demonstrated a strong academic record and a passion for software development.

Ways that Crossbridge’s internship program helps to invest in young talent

Young person doing internship
  • Provides mentorship and support. Mentors provide interns with guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of entering the workforce.
  • Offers opportunities to work on real-world projects. Interns at Crossbridge are given the opportunity to work on real-world projects with other talented developers.
  • Creates a supportive and collaborative work environment. Crossbridge creates a supportive and collaborative work environment where interns feel comfortable asking questions and learning from others.

Overall, internships are a valuable experience for junior developers, and Crossbridge’s internship program is a great way for young talent to gain the skills and experience they need to become successful professionals.

Looking for a way to invest in the future workforce and help young talent succeed? Consider sponsoring an intern at Crossbridge.

Building High-Performing Remote Development Teams: Best Practices

by BlogBusiness TrendsFuture of workIT IndustryIT Staffing

The shift to remote had a profound impact on the tech industry and the need to build and manage high-performing remote development teams has become overriding. That is why in this blog we put together the best practices for creating and nurturing remote development teams.

 

The Rise of Remote Developers

Before delving into best practices, let’s take a look at some statistics that underline the significance of remote developers:

1. According to Buffer’s 2021 State of Remote Work report, 97.6% of respondents expressed interest in working remotely at least some of the time for the rest of their careers.

2. A study by Stanford found that remote workers tend to be 13% more productive compared to their in-office counterparts.

3. The 2020 Developer Survey by Stack Overflow revealed that 47.7% of developers prefer a partially remote work environment.

Given these statistics, it’s evident that remote development teams are here to stay. However, building and managing such teams requires a strategic approach.

10 Best Practices for Building High-Performing Remote Development Teams

1. Clear Communication is Key: Effective communication lies at the heart of successful remote teams. Utilize a combination of communication tools like video calls, chat platforms, and project management software to keep everyone connected and informed.

2. Set Clear Expectations: Define roles, responsibilities, and expectations for each team member. This clarity ensures that everyone knows their tasks and contributes effectively.

3. Cultivate a Collaborative Culture: Foster a sense of belonging among remote team members. Virtual team-building activities, regular check-ins, and informal interactions can go a long way in creating a strong team culture.

4. Empower with Technology: Provide remote developers with the necessary tools and resources to perform their tasks seamlessly. This includes access to development environments, version control systems, and relevant software.

5. Outcome-Oriented Approach: Measure success based on project milestones and results rather than solely on time spent working.

6. Regular Feedback and Recognition: Regular performance reviews and acknowledging achievements contribute to team morale.

7. Time Zone Considerations: Acknowledge and accommodate different time zones within your team. 

8. Professional Development: Provide opportunities for skill development and learning. This not only enhances individual capabilities but also shows that the organization is invested in its remote team members’ growth.

9. Inclusive Approach: Recognize and embrace diverse perspectives. Cultural differences can influence work styles and communication preferences, so it’s essential to be sensitive to various backgrounds.

10. Balancing Autonomy and Support: Remote developers value autonomy, but they also need support when faced with challenges. Strike a balance between giving them space to work independently and being available to assist when needed.

In conclusion, the era of remote development teams is marked by immense potential and unique challenges. By following the best practices outlined here and considering diverse perspectives, organizations can build high-performing remote development teams that deliver exceptional results while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.

Ready to embrace the remote environment in your company? We can help you navigate the remote seas smoothly. Let’s talk!

Man working on his computer

Unlocking the Benefits of Hiring Remote Developers for Your Team

by BlogFuture of workIT IndustryIT Staffing
Man working on his computer

In recent years, the workforce landscape has gone through a gigantic transformation. The rise of remote work has opened up new avenues for businesses to tap into a larger talent pool, and hiring remote developers has become an increasingly popular choice. This shift offers numerous advantages, from accessing specialized skills to boosting productivity and cost-efficiency.

Hiring Remote Developers; The Work Revolution

Access to a Global Talent Pool

In the world of software development, hiring remote developers grants you access to a diverse and vast talent pool. You’re no longer limited by geographical boundaries when searching for professionals with the exact skills your project demands. Whether it’s a specialized programming language or a niche technology, you can find the right experts regardless of their physical location.

Enhanced Productivity and Efficiency

Developers often find that remote environments allow them to focus better, resulting in improved work output. Moreover, the elimination of commute times and distractions commonly associated with office settings can lead to more efficient use of time.

The Cost Savings of Hiring Remotely

One of the most compelling reasons for hiring remote developers is the potential for cost savings. Operating a physical office involves considerable costs, from rent and utilities to office supplies and equipment. The remote environment can significantly reduce these expenses, allowing you to allocate resources more strategically. Moreover, you can tap into regions with lower costs of living, potentially saving on salary expenditures while still offering competitive compensation to your remote team members.

The Role of Staffing Companies

partners shaking hands after hiring remote developers

Navigating the remote hiring landscape might seem daunting, especially if your company is new to the concept. This is where staffing companies can become valuable partners since they already have established processes to identify, vet, and match qualified remote developers with companies in need of their skills. By partnering with a staffing company you can also gain:

  • Streamlined Talent Acquisition: Staffing companies have established networks and resources for finding top-tier remote developers. They can help source candidates faster and with more precision, presenting candidates who are a strong fit for your requirements.
  • Expertise in Remote Work Dynamics: Successful remote work requires a different set of practices compared to traditional office settings. Staffing companies can provide guidance on communication strategies, collaboration tools, and performance tracking to ensure engagement and productivity.
  • Risk Mitigation: Hiring remote developers directly, can involve legal and logistical complexities. Staffing companies often handle these aspects, ensuring that contracts, payments, and compliance with local laws are all properly managed.
  • Flexibility and Scalability: Staffing companies can adapt to your changing needs. This flexibility is especially valuable in the fast-paced world of software development.

Embracing the Future of Work: Remote work is a strategic move that can provide your company with a competitive edge. The benefits of accessing a global talent pool, enhancing productivity, and realizing cost savings are clear.

The success of a remote team lies not just in finding the right developers, but also in creating an environment that fosters collaboration, communication, and innovation.

With the support of staffing companies, your company can unlock and harness the talents of developers from around the world.

If you want to dive deeper into the benefits of hiring remote talent for your company let’s talk!

Don’t forget to follow us to learn more about IT Staffing!

Staff augmentation team remote meeting

Can staff augmentation help my company?

by BlogBusiness TrendsIT Industry

A guide to identify when staff augmentation is a good option for your business.

Staff augmentation team remote meeting

Staff augmentation is the strategic practice of supplementing your existing workforce with external talent on a temporary or project basis. It allows you to bring in professionals who possess the necessary skills and experience to address your specific requirements. It provides flexibility, agility, and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for many businesses.

How can you determine if it is the right solution for your company?

Cost efficiency is probably the most known reason to consider it, however, there is more to explore:

  • Fluctuating Workloads: Businesses often experience peaks in their workloads. If you find your team struggling to keep up with surges in demand, staff augmentation can be a valuable resource. By adding temporary staff during busy periods, you can maintain productivity levels and meet deadlines without the costs associated with permanent hires.

 

  • Specialized Skillsets: Certain projects may require expertise in niche areas that your existing team lacks. Instead of spending time and resources on training, you can access professionals with the precise skills needed for the task at hand.

 

  • Knowledge Transfer: When you bring in external experts, they can share their expertise, best practices, and industry insights with your team. This crossroads of ideas and insights can have a positive impact on your company’s long-term growth and competitiveness.

 

  • Risk Mitigation: Mitigate risks associated with talent shortages, turnover, and skill gaps. By having access to external resources, you can minimize the impact of unforeseen circumstances such as sudden market shifts. It provides a safety net that allows your business to navigate uncertainties more effectively.

While staff augmentation offers numerous benefits, it’s important to recognize that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s essential to assess and consider the potential cultural and operational challenges that may arise when adding external talent to your existing team.

When implemented strategically, staff augmentation can be a powerful tool for businesses seeking flexibility, cost-efficiency, and specialized expertise. By leveraging the right resources at the right time, you can enhance your operational capabilities, stay competitive, and drive business growth.

To assess the benefits of staff augmentation for your business schedule a free call with one of our representatives.

Staff augmentation employees

Staff Augmentation: An Innovative Approach to Staffing

by BlogBusiness TrendsIT IndustryNearshore

As businesses grow, their staffing needs also increase. Hiring full-time employees can be expensive and time-consuming, and sometimes businesses need to fill temporary or specialized positions quickly. Staff augmentation is an innovative approach to staffing that can help businesses save time and money while still acquiring the talent they need to succeed.

Staff augmentation employees

What is Staff Augmentation?

Staff augmentation is a staffing model that allows businesses to hire workers to supplement their existing workforce. These workers are usually hired for a specific period and are paid by the hour or project. It can be used to fill a variety of positions, including IT, finance, marketing, and more. Some of its key features include:

Access to a Flexible Workforce

This means that businesses can quickly scale their workforce up or down depending on their needs. This is particularly useful during peak seasons or when a business needs to complete a short-term project.

Specialized Skills

Staff augmentation also allows businesses to access specialized skills that may not be available in-house. For example, a business may need a data scientist to analyze a large data set, but they don’t have anyone on staff with that skill set. By using this approach, they can quickly hire a data scientist to complete the project.

Cost Savings

Staff augmentation can also be a cost-effective staffing solution. Hiring in-house employees is expensive, particularly when you consider benefits, training, and other hidden costs, so it allows businesses to hire workers without incurring these additional costs.


In conclusion, staff augmentation is an innovative approach to staffing that can help businesses save time and money while still acquiring the talent they need to succeed, and can be a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes and industries.

If you’re considering staffing options for your business, this approach is definitely worth exploring.

We can help you, let’s talk!

If you are interested in learning more about staff augmentation, listen to our podcast Connect & Grow on Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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Don’t just survive, thrive

by BlogBusiness TrendsDesarrollo de softwareIT IndustryNearshore

Two years ago, the world completely changed and companies in every industry had to adapt to a new economy. From Zoom meetings to outdoor dining tents, business leaders relied on their survival instincts to come up with crucial and creative solutions in order to keep their doors open and ride out the storm.

Today, we have a different mountain to climb. Regardless of your definition of a recession, it is clear that we are in one of the most challenging economies we have seen in decades. Survival instincts are once again rising to the surface among companies in every industry. While some solutions may be obvious, others might not be. Labor costs are obviously high, but offshoring that labor to Asia might not be as straightforward as it once was. 

 

This is where nearshoring comes in. With the US inflation rate hovering around 9%, companies that can reduce costs without sacrificing quality will have a stark advantage over those that can’t (or won’t) reduce costs. In the software industry, the talent pool in Latin America is rich. Back in the early 2000s, Mexico began to improve their higher education system and within a few years, their universities were churning out well educated graduates in software engineering. Fast forward to 2022, these graduates now have several years of experience under their belt and even have some significant experience working for large American companies such as Venmo and Shopify. Mexico isn’t the only country that has used this strategy. Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia are all among the top 50 countries with the best software talent. This is no small feat.

 

Reducing costs while maintaining high quality standards with a team that shares your cultural values and works in a similar time zone? Sounds like a pretty obvious decision. In the words of the great Jack Sparrow, “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem. Do you understand?” Once we understand how we can position ourselves to beat out the competition, we will not just survive in a tough economy, we will thrive!


For more information about nearshoring, check out

Employee Retention The Key To Business Success_pexels-fauxels-3184286

Employee retention: the key to business success

by BlogBusiness TrendsIT Industry

Employee retention is not merely a metric that alerts the HR department to take action when indicators are bad. Rather, it can be a competitive advantage and key differentiator for companies who pay close attention to it.

The true costs of employee turnover

The cost of employee turnover is incredibly high. Large U.S. businesses lose at least $1 trillion each year due to voluntary employee turnover, much of which, according to exiting workers, their managers or organizations could have prevented.

Gallup’s research shows that the cost to replace an employee can range from one-half to two times the employee’s annual salary.

The reason is that every time you have to replace an employee, it has an impact on operational costs, revenue, productivity, company culture, and customer experience, all of which end up compromising the company’s growth and profit.

So, having understood the scope of the impact of employee retention on an organization. How much should be invested to improve employee turnover?

 

The business success path

This is where an organization has the option to take different paths; from creating & implementing a budget, especially for this strategy, to partnering with companies that have already implemented a talent retention strategy to hire new resources at no extra cost to you. 

Whatever strategy you prefer, it is crucial to understand the importance of taking action. 

While creating a successful employee retention strategy may take a fair amount of effort, organizations that put in place the strategies, tools, and processes necessary to retain their best talent know that it’s a worthwhile effort that pays off.

On the other hand, organizations that don’t focus on employee retention and reducing turnover can suffer significant consequences.

Not only in terms of the hard costs associated with finding, hiring, onboarding, and training replacements, but also in terms of lost productivity and knowledge, impact on customer and employee experiences and reputations, lower morale, and weaker corporate culture.

 

Nearshore Strategy based on Talent Retention

During the more than 9 years we have been providing Nearshore services, our main objective as a company is to separate ourselves from our competitors through our high talent retention rates.

Our holistic approach allows our employees to have good benefits and a work-life balance and has helped us achieve the goal. 

Find out more about how we can do the same for your company. Schedule a call with our experts.

The New IT Outsourcing Industry Scenario_pexels-fauxels-3182782

The new IT outsourcing industry scenario

by BlogBusiness TrendsIT IndustryNearshore

The challenges of IT outsourcing in the face of the political conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Disruptions caused by the conflict endanger organizations that outsource IT support to Ukraine. Unfortunately, there have been communication blackouts that threaten security and productivity. Additionally, reduced operational capacity can mean fewer bug fixes, less customer support, and fewer security patches. These will force organizations to go back to the blackboard, devise contingency plans and, if possible, find a way to continue with their Ukrainian service providers but at the same time protect against interruptions.

The reality is that it’s not just about quickly switching providers to fill the gap. Switching IT vendors takes months of planning and discussion, and usually can’t be done in the blink of an eye.

For that reason, in the short term, organizations have to act fast and take simple actions like monitoring the situation 24/7 to mitigate immediate risk, as well as more complex actions like preparing for the cyber risk presented by the conflict or reviewing the “force majeure” clause in all contracts to analyze the risks if the execution is hindered, delayed or prevented in the event of war.

In the longer term, business leaders should establish new relationships with different outsourcing providers. Some factors to consider before taking any decisions are the following:

  • Partner with IT service providers with a convenient geographic presence and solid business continuity or expansion plans, avoiding over-reliance on one country.

In this sense, Nearshore service providers with a presence in Latin America have a great advantage since they give you the possibility of having resources in North American countries with Mexico, Central America, and South America, thus allowing you to not be pigeonholed in a single region. Another benefit of having a team in Latin America is the possibility of working in the same or a similar time zone, which allows you to increase productivity and improve communication between teams.

  • Establish network, application, database, and platform security measures that include firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems that identify and block unauthorized activity with continuous monitoring for malicious activity and policy violations.

In the face of uncertainty, companies must remain flexible to change and generate strategies to stay afloat. However, today more than ever we must keep our values in mind and never ignore the human suffering that is taking place in Ukraine in the name of “The Business”.

If you’re in need of outsourcing support, temporary or long-term, we’re here to help with amazing Software Engineers in Latin America ready to join your team. Go to our Talent Portal to find out amazing candidates or get in touch with us to receive personal support.