Myth 1: Team Augmentation is Only for Large Enterprises

This misperception probably exists because large enterprises often have the budget and resources to engage with external talent more readily. However, assuming that only big companies can benefit from team extension is very unfair.

Look, startups and small firms often need to scale rapidly but lack the time or resources for comprehensive recruitment processes. Yet they are able to quickly onboard experienced professionals in order to meet project demands by leveraging staff augmentation.

This flexibility allows startups to stay agile and competitive in their markets. Instead of going through the lengthy hiring process, SMBs can use workforce augmentation and bring in outsourced team skills immediately.

Remember:

➡️ Team augmentation is a valuable strategy for businesses of all sizes, not just large enterprises.

Myth 2: Remote Teams Lack Accountability

The concern about remote team accountability stems from the traditional mindset that equates physical presence with productivity. People worry that without the direct oversight possible in a physical office, remote staff members might not meet their responsibilities or stay engaged.

However, this myth overlooks the numerous tools and strategies available to ensure accountability and effective communication. For example, remote team accountability can start with:

• clear expectations

• transparent dialogue

• establishing well-defined roles, responsibilities, and deadlines

• regular check-ins 

• and progress updates

Besides that –  various project management software (e.g., Trello, Asana, and Jira) and communication platforms (e.g., Slack and Microsoft Teams) help coworkers track their tasks, collaborate in real-time, and provide status updates.

And let’s not forget about performance metrics and KPIs as well, as they can be used to measure productivity and outcomes.

What should you note?

1. With the right tools and strategies, remote team accountability can be as extensive and reliable as that of their in-office counterparts.

2. Establish clear expectations, use effective communication tools, and build a culture of accountability and trust.

💡 For example:

Polcode team members possess excellent communication skills. They can manage cultural differences effectively and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds

Myth 3: Team Augmentation is Too Expensive

Well, yes, the money.

Many assume that the costs of team augmentation will be too great because they need to invest in external talent, which obviously sounds a bit pricey. Yet, this myth ignores the various cost-saving aspects.

First of all, traditional hiring processes are often lengthy and costly. They involve advertising job openings, conducting interviews, and onboarding new hires. In contrast, team augmentation lets you quickly utilize outsourced team skills rather than recruiting from scratch.

Secondly, such services directly reduce overhead costs compared to hiring full-time employees (so, in this case, it’s costs associated with salaries, benefits, office space, and equipment). Meanwhile, the costs of team augmentation only include paying for the services you actually need and use.

Moreover, external team members typically work remotely, so they don't require additional office space. 

And you’re not committed to long-term contracts  – you can bring in experts for specific projects and release them after completing the project.

So, when you consider the reduced recruitment resources, lower overheads, and the flexibility to scale as needed, the cost of team augmentation becomes more attractive.

Myth 4: Outsourced Teams Are Not as Skilled as In-House Teams

It is often taken for granted that external teams will not be as invested in a company's success, have less relevant skills, and lack the quality control and commitment of in-house personnel. 

Clearly, many forget about the rigorous vetting processes that reputable firms with team extension services use to ensure high-quality talent.

These firms invest heavily in recruiting the best possible employees. They conduct in-depth interviews, technical tests, background checks, and prioritize ongoing training. All to guarantee their employees have the necessary skills and experience. This can be especially beneficial for companies working on cutting-edge technologies or complex systems that require niche skill sets.

High-profile projects completed by outsourced workers further debunk this team augmentation myth. After all, many successful products and services have been developed by external teams.

Example?

Take a look at Polcode, for example – their team augmentation services connect clients with professional experts who bring the necessary expertise and skills. Clients can work with specialists like senior back-end developers, front-end developers, and project managers.

Myth 5: Security and IP Risks Are Higher with External Teams

The last myth is about security and intellectual property. People worry that outsourcing might expose their sensitive data and proprietary information to potential threats.

Honestly, these risks can be effectively managed through robust security measures and legal agreements.

To protect intellectual property, team extension companies implement stringent security protocols to guarantee that data is handled safely and minimize the risk of data breaches. These include:

• encryption

• access management

• regular backups

• comprehensive security screenings

• VPNs and secure cloud services

And that’s not all.

• Legal agreements, such as non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and service-level agreements (SLAs), also help mitigate IP risks. They clearly define the responsibilities and obligations of all parties. 

• Specifying the terms of data handling, IP ownership, and confidentiality provides a legal framework that safeguards sensitive information.

• Reputable outsourcing firms often hold certifications and maintain compliance with international standards. These certifications demonstrate the firm's commitment to maintaining high-security standards.

• Regular security training can make everyone aware of best practices for handling sensitive information.

The main point for this myth?

Security and IP risks are valid concerns, sure, but they can be effectively managed with the right approach and measures in place.

Realistic Issues that Companies Working with the Team Extension Model Encounter

The above myths are just false beliefs, resulting from ignorance of team extension services. But it's not true that this model has no viable problems. 

Here are some real-world issues that companies may face:

1. Cultural Differences: Integrating remote teams from diverse backgrounds can lead to misunderstandings. Thus, invest in cultural sensitivity training and establish clear expectations for collaboration.

2. Project Management Complexity: Managing a hybrid team with different workflows can be tricky. So, use project management software and hold regular progress check-ins to maintain project visibility and accountability.

3. Knowledge Transfer: Successfully integrating new team members requires a knowledge transfer process. That’s why you should develop a structured onboarding program to ensure outsourced specialists are familiar with your company culture, project goals, and internal tools.

4. Time Zone Discrepancies: Working with team members in different time zones can disrupt collaboration and slow down progress. Therefore, schedule core meetings during overlapping work hours and leverage asynchronous communication tools for updates and discussions outside those times.

5. Performance Management: Effectively evaluating the performance of outsourced team members requires a different approach. So, establish clear performance metrics and KPIs at the outset, and utilize online tools for performance tracking and feedback.

6. Team Cohesion: Building strong team spirit and trust can be more challenging with external specialists. For this reason, encourage regular team interactions through virtual meetings and team-building exercises, to foster a culture of appreciation.

As you can see, even real problems can be overcome. And with the help of the right tech company, you minimize the risk for any problems to arise.

Conclusion

So, we are at the finish line. We’ve debunked five common team augmentation myths, and here’s what we want to say as a little summary:

1. The idea that team extension is only for large enterprises is false. Small and medium-sized businesses can also benefit from this flexible and efficient approach.

2. The notion that remote workers lack accountability is unfounded – with the right tools and strategies, remote external teams can be just as reliable as in-house ones.

3. Concerns about team augmentation being too expensive are misguided when considering the cost savings from reduced recruitment and overhead expenses.

4. The belief that outsourced employees are not as skilled as in-house personnel is incorrect – rigorous vetting processes bring in high-quality talent.

5. Fears about security and IP risks can be mitigated with robust security measures and legal agreements.

Clearly, team augmentation offers a viable and effective solution for businesses of all sizes. It provides flexibility, access to specialized skills, and cost-efficiency. Companies can hire external talent to meet project demands, enhance productivity, stay competitive, etc. We can list and list the advantages.

As such, you should certainly consider team extension services as a strategic option to support and grow your business.