Last updated on Jul 9, 2024

Here's how you can manage the challenges of different time zones in remote work.

Managing different time zones in remote work can be a complex challenge, but with a strategic approach, you can foster a collaborative environment for your team. As mobile design professionals, you're often required to work with colleagues and clients across the globe, which means navigating time zone differences is part of your daily routine. Understanding how to align schedules and maintain productivity despite these differences is crucial for your success. The following strategies will guide you in creating a more harmonious and efficient remote work setting, ensuring that your mobile design projects continue to thrive regardless of geographical boundaries.

1 Sync Schedules

To effectively manage time zones in remote work, it's essential to find overlapping hours where team members are available. Utilize shared calendars to mark out everyone's working hours, highlighting the times when all or most team members are online. This visual synchronization can help in planning meetings and collaborative sessions during these common windows. Encourage team members to update their availability regularly to maintain an accurate schedule for everyone involved.

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Daniel Jenett

#Digitalurbanism, Designer, Professor, Author
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Time Zones are less of a problem when they are far enough apart. For example, its easier to sync with coworkers in Los Angeles than in NYC from Europe. The quarter day between the east coast and EU makes it more difficult, than to exchanging important things at start or end of work day.

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Valerija Trane

Product Designer @ Greenlight Guru Clinical | UX/UI Specialist
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Most calendar solutions such as Google Calendar allows you to add additional time zones in your Calendar so it makes it easier to schedule meetings and see what time your colleagues have. Try to be mindful and schedule emails and messages to be sent when your colleagues start their work day to avoid sending them work related information outside work hours. Of course your colleague should not check their work after hours, but if you are in a higher position in a company and sent out something relatively urgent during their off hours it will at minimum cause unnecessary stress.

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2 Clear Communication

Clear communication is the cornerstone of remote work across time zones. Establishing a standard for how and when to communicate can prevent misunderstandings. Opt for asynchronous communication methods like emails or project management tools for non-urgent matters, allowing team members to respond when it's suitable for their time zone. For urgent issues, agree on a protocol that might include instant messaging or calls during agreed-upon hours.

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3 Flexibility First

Adopting a flexible mindset is vital in managing time zone challenges. Be willing to adjust your work hours occasionally to accommodate colleagues in vastly different time zones for important meetings or deadlines. This flexibility ensures that no one is consistently burdened with inconvenient meeting times, promoting a fair and considerate work culture. Remember, flexibility should be reciprocal; when you're flexible with others, they're more likely to return the favor.

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Wilfried ASSOMO

Expert in web and mobile interface design, nominated best UX/UI designer 2024 at the African Creative Awards, Co-founder of TWIDX
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Quand on travaille avec une équipe répartie sur différents fuseaux horaires, il est essentiel de répondre aux besoins de chacun, car certaines tâches nécessitent une collaboration. La flexibilité devient alors une obligation. Dans ce sens, il arrive parfois d'ajuster certaines journées de travail parce qu'il peut arriver par exemple que certaines réunions soient planifiées un peu plus tard. Mais en général, il est juste question de savoir qu'il peut arriver de décaler certaines taches à des heures tardives.

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4 Set Expectations

Setting clear expectations about response times and deadlines is crucial in a remote work environment. Make sure everyone understands the impact of time zones on work schedules and how this affects project timelines. Establish reasonable expectations for response times, considering the different hours that team members are working. This clarity will help reduce stress and prevent the feeling of needing to be available around the clock.

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5 Respect Boundaries

Respecting personal boundaries is essential when working with a global team. Acknowledge that team members have lives outside of work and may not be available outside their standard working hours. Encourage your team to turn off notifications and set 'do not disturb' periods on communication tools to ensure they can disconnect and recharge, leading to better productivity and work-life balance.

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6 Utilize Technology

Leverage technology to bridge the gap created by time zones. There are numerous tools designed to facilitate remote collaboration, from project management software to virtual whiteboards. These tools often come with features that help manage time zone differences, such as automatic time conversion for deadlines or meetings. By incorporating these technologies into your workflow, you can streamline collaboration and keep projects moving forward efficiently.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Valerija Trane

Product Designer @ Greenlight Guru Clinical | UX/UI Specialist
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Deadlines can be tricky in teams where time zones are vastly different. When announcing a deadline or any other important date, make sure to make a note what time zone do you mean when announcing it.

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Here's how you can manage the challenges of different time zones in remote work.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Sync Schedules

2 Clear Communication

3 Flexibility First

4 Set Expectations

5 Respect Boundaries

6 Utilize Technology

7 Here’s what else to consider

Mobile Design

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Here's how you can manage the challenges of different time zones in remote work.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Sync Schedules

2 Clear Communication

3 Flexibility First

4 Set Expectations

5 Respect Boundaries

6 Utilize Technology

7 Here’s what else to consider

Mobile Design

Rate this article

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