From Maintenance to Innovation: Addressing IT and Software Development Challenges in Modern Enterprises 

From Maintenance to Innovation: Addressing IT and Software Development Challenges in Modern Enterprises 

Data Management Software and Services, High-Performance Collaboration, Outsourced Engineering Team, Project Management, Strategic Digital Nearshoring

Written by: Luis Aburto – 

From Maintenance to Innovation: Addressing IT and Software Development Challenges in Modern Enterprises

Introduction

In my conversations with CTOs, CIOs, and Software Development Leaders across various industries, certain recurring themes have emerged about the challenges these leaders face. Managing legacy systems, resource constraints, and rising expectations often leaves teams stuck in reactive maintenance instead of driving innovation. Overcoming these obstacles can pave the way for strategic initiatives that transform not only IT operations but the entire organization.

This blog delves into the most pressing challenges IT leaders face and offers practical strategies to address them. By embracing innovative solutions, organizations can position their IT teams for long-term success and growth.

1. Legacy Systems: The Hidden Roadblock to Innovation

Legacy systems, while once the backbone of operations, now represent a significant challenge. These systems often lack proper documentation, rely on outdated technology stacks, and are difficult to integrate with modern platforms. This creates bottlenecks that hinder agility, scalability, and the ability to innovate.

Solution: Migrating to modern platforms—such as cloud-based microservices architectures—can unlock operational efficiencies and enable new capabilities. Collaborating with a partner experienced in legacy system modernization ensures a smoother transition. A phased migration approach, focusing first on high-impact areas, can reduce risks and prevent operational disruptions. Additionally, adopting automated tools for data migration and validation can streamline the process further.

2. Maintenance Overhead: Shifting Focus to Strategic Initiatives

Internal IT teams often find themselves consumed by routine maintenance tasks. This leaves little bandwidth for high-value projects like AI integration, personalization, or mobile app development. Teams become reactive, addressing issues as they arise instead of proactively driving improvements. These constraints limit the team’s capacity to focus on strategic objectives that could drive significant business growth.

Solution: Outsourcing systems maintenance to a trusted partner can free up internal resources for mission-critical projects. For instance, Scio’s nearshore software engineering teams seamlessly integrate with in-house staff, ensuring continuity while enhancing capacity. Additionally, creating a project prioritization roadmap can help allocate resources effectively, ensuring that strategic initiatives get the attention they deserve.

3. Mobile App Development: Meeting Modern User Expectations

As mobile applications become central to user engagement, businesses must adopt approaches that balance functionality, cost-efficiency, and scalability. Developing robust mobile apps requires specialized expertise, particularly in navigating frameworks like React Native, Flutter, and native app development for specific platforms.

Solution: Adopting a hybrid approach—leveraging frameworks like Flutter or React Native—can significantly reduce costs without sacrificing performance. Collaborating with seasoned developers ensures that your app aligns with user needs while adhering to timelines and budgets. Incorporating iterative development cycles with regular user feedback can also enhance app usability and adoption rates.

AI Integration: From Buzzword to Business Impact

4. AI Integration: From Buzzword to Business Impact

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept, it is a cornerstone of modern business strategy. From predictive analytics to chatbots and automated workflows, AI can dramatically enhance efficiency and customer engagement. However, its integration often presents challenge

es, particularly around selecting the right tools and ensuring seamless adoption.
Beyond its strategic impact, AI has emerged as a powerful productivity tool in software development. Platforms like GitHub Copilot can significantly accelerate coding by suggesting snippets, automating repetitive tasks, and even flagging potential errors during development. These tools enable developers to focus on higher-value activities such as architectural decisions and feature innovations.

Solution: AI integration requires a clear strategy aligned with business objectives. Begin by identifying specific use cases where AI can deliver measurable value, such as customer support chatbots, automated data analysis, or productivity tools for developers. Partnering with experienced development teams ensures smooth integration and adherence to organizational security protocols. Offering internal training to upskill employees on AI tools can also foster widespread adoption and innovation. Establishing feedback loops for developers using AI tools can further refine their effectiveness, ensuring they align with team workflows and deliver maximum benefits.

5. Data and Security: The Backbone of Digital Transformation

Data management and security remain critical concerns during modernization efforts. Organizations must ensure that their data integration processes are seamless, while also safeguarding sensitive information against breaches.

Solution: Establishing well-defined data sharing protocols early in the project lifecycle is key. Automated compliance and validation tools can streamline integration while ensuring adherence to industry regulations. Selecting a partner who prioritizes robust security measures—including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular audits—further minimizes risks. Additionally, investing in tools that monitor and manage data access can enhance transparency and security.

6. Shifting Strategic Focus and Building a Culture of Innovation

Today’s IT teams are being asked to pivot from traditional operational roles to driving innovation within the organization. Fostering a culture of innovation within IT teams is essential for long-term success. However, balancing operational demands with strategic priorities often strains resources that have limited bandwidth for experimenting with new technologies like AI and machine learning, becoming an obstacle that prevents organizations from staying competitive.

Solution: Encourage collaboration by involving IT teams in strategic decision-making processes. Regularly assess team capabilities and provide opportunities for upskilling in emerging technologies like AI, cloud computing, and DevOps practices. Recognizing and celebrating small milestones in innovation can inspire creativity and build momentum across the organization.

Conclusion: Taking the First Step Toward Transformation

The challenges faced by IT and software development teams are significant, but they are far from insurmountable. By modernizing legacy systems, outsourcing routine tasks, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, organizations can unlock their teams’ full potential. These efforts not only enhance operational efficiency but also position the business for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

Are you ready to shift from maintenance to innovation? Contact us to explore how Scio’s nearshore software engineering teams can help you achieve your strategic goals.

We would love to hear about the challenges your IT team is facing and discuss how we can help you overcome them. Contact us today to explore how our expertise can support your transition from maintenance to innovation.

Luis Aburto_ CEO_Scio

Luis Aburto

CEO

Fueling Continuous Improvement in Scrum Teams 

Fueling Continuous Improvement in Scrum Teams 

Entrepreneurship, High-Performance Collaboration, Outsourced Engineering Team, Project Management, Strategic Digital Nearshoring

Written by: Yamila Solari – 

BLOG- Fueling Continuous Improvement in Scrum Teams
Continuous improvement is the ongoing process of analyzing performance, identifying opportunities, and making incremental changes to processes, products, and personnel. Scrum team leaders, Scrum Masters, team coaches, all are responsible for instilling a continuous improvement mindset in their teams and find better ways to maximize value, effectiveness, and growth.

Continuous improvement is an essential component of Scrum. Scrum’s three empirical pillars—transparency, inspection, and adaptation—ensure that continuous improvement is woven into the framework itself. Each Scrum event and artifact provides opportunities for the Scrum Team to continually inspect and adapt. In this article, I will cover important factors that contribute to the success of the philosophy of continuous improvement in a team, as well as some precautions necessary to keep teams motivated to improve.

Measuring Progress is Essential for Continuous Improvement

Measuring progress is crucial because it helps the team spot areas that need work, making improvement possible in every sprint. There are various ways to measure progress in Scrum, such as:

  • Checking if sprint goals were achieved
  • Using velocity (the rate at which the team completes work)
  • Tracking bug density
  • Using burndown charts

It’s important to pick the metrics that better allow you to see the progress in your project and set up a reliable system to track them. To avoid overwhelming your team, focus on just a few key metrics—somewhere between three and five. Also, stay consistent with the frequency of your measurements. Many experts recommend measuring after every sprint to keep a regular pulse on your team’s performance.

Elements that Promote Continuous Improvement in a Team

Elements that Promote Continuous Improvement in a Team

We, as humans, are wired for growth—which naturally requires change and adaptation. However, our brains also prioritize routine and efficiency, which can make continuous improvement tricky. Let’s look at some key factors that help foster a continuous improvement culture:

  • Psychological Safety

Cognitive Resource Theory says that when we’re under stress, we tend to revert to familiar routines rather than innovative thinking. Under pressure, decision-making abilities can decline, making it harder to adapt to new challenges.

This is why the first element to consider, as a team leader, is creating a psychologically safe space. Psychological safety is the belief that no one will be punished, humiliated, or ignored for speaking up with ideas, questions, or mistakes. When team members feel safe to share openly, they’re more likely to push for creative solutions and take on new experiments that drive improvement.

  • Transparent and Regular Feedback

In a high-performing team, members often share better ways of working with each other in real time. However, it’s also crucial to have dedicated events—like Retrospectives—where the whole team reflects on what went well and what could change. This practice reminds everyone to look inward for those gems of insight that can lead to significant improvements.

  • Represent Progress in a Graphic way

Using meaningful metrics or tracking tools is the third element. It helps the team visualize and understand their evolution over time. Whether it’s velocity, defect rates, or burndown charts, consistent tracking keeps everyone aware of the impact of their efforts and highlights where to improve next. Remember to display these graphics in a place of easy access for the team and refer to them during your Scrum ceremonies.

  • Frequently Sharing the Vision

A clear vision reminds the team why they’re doing what they’re doing. Reiterating the vision fosters alignment, engagement, and motivation. When everyone knows how their work contributes to the bigger picture, it’s easier to stay focused on improvement and long-term goals.

  • Empowering Teams with Autonomy

Ensuring a team has autonomy within the organization is a powerful motivator. When teams know their decisions will be heard and respected, they’re more intrinsically motivated to give their best and continually refine how they work.

  • Celebrating Success

Finally, celebrating success is a powerful way to cement progress in the team culture and keep up the momentum. Recognizing achievements—big or small—builds confidence and reinforces positive behaviors. When the team sees that progress is noticed and valued, they’re more willing to experiment and try new approaches.

The Double-Edged Sword of Continuous Improvement

Agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban are designed to structure work so it’s efficient, transparent, and motivating for the team. Often, a team that consistently achieves its sprint goals is already high-performing and well-accustomed to improving continuously. However, when a high-performing team is making only minor improvements, metrics like velocity can become less meaningful, or even demotivating. Sometimes the numbers simply don’t show big jumps, but that doesn’t mean the team isn’t growing.

In these situations, the role of the team leader or Scrum Master becomes more relevant. As leaders, we should always be ready to pose questions to inspire our teams. Questions like what did we do better this sprint than the last?, In what specific ways are we a more high-performing team than before?, If our velocity has not changed, what has improved?, etc., help the team acknowledge they are moving forward even though the metrics may not show it. Also, reflecting on qualitative improvements—like deeper communication, willingness to take risks, and the ability to advocate for the team’s needs—plays an essential role in understanding true progress.

On the flip side, some teams lean towards complacency. They can be high performing for a while, but then they find Retrospectives no longer yield much value, start skipping them, and adopt a “there’s nothing to improve” attitude. Inevitably, any dip in velocity or other performance metrics will alert the team that something is amiss. At that point, the leader or Scrum Master can moderate a deep reflection on how the team allowed complacency to set in, and how to prevent it from happening again.

Ultimately, embracing a continuous improvement mindset requires a healthy balance. Experiment and try new ways to get better, but also recognize the diminishing returns that can appear once your team is operating at a high level.

Conclusion

Conclusion

Continuous improvement is a cornerstone of Scrum for a reason—it drives better outcomes, keeps people engaged, and helps teams adapt in a fast-changing world. As a business manager and team coach, I’ve seen firsthand how paying attention to psychological safety, feedback loops, and consistent measurements can ignite powerful changes in a team’s performance and morale. But remember, improvements can be both quantitative and qualitative. Recognize the accomplishments your team makes, even if they don’t always show up in velocity numbers. Keep finding ways to grow, and never underestimate the power of celebrating and reflecting on how far you’ve come. 

Yamila Solari

Yamila Solari

General Manager

Enriching the Space for Women in Tech: The Power of Circles 

Enriching the Space for Women in Tech: The Power of Circles 

High-Performance Collaboration, Interculturality, Project Management, Strategic Digital Nearshoring, Success Stories

Written by Yamila Solari – 

HOW WOMEN CIRCLES IN TECH SUPPORT DIVERSITY

Women have gathered in circles since the beginning of history, sharing stories, offering support, and cultivating growth—a practice that continues to shape the professional landscape today. In this article, I focus on professional women circles, which are created to support the advancement of women in the workplace. Specifically, I will share our own experience at Scio with our circles for women in tech, explore the impact these circles could have in the male-dominated tech industry and reflect on how men circles are also important to increase diversity.

Background

The history of women’s circles experienced a significant interruption during the 16th and 17th centuries. The rise of the witch trials in Europe led to the persecution of women who participated in these gatherings, forcing them to dissolve or go into secrecy. However, by the 19th century, women’s circles reemerged as organized clubs and societies in parts of the world, including the United States. These groups focused on education, social reform, women’s rights, and community improvement.

While the structure of these gatherings has evolved, their core purpose of connection and empowerment remains steadfast. Today, modern women’s circles address a wide range of interests, from spiritual exploration and collective healing to professional and personal growth.

Most recently, Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In movement has reinvigorated the concept of professional circles by making them more accessible through free educational materials. Lean In circles emphasize leadership development, career advancement, and mutual support, among other topics, and have inspired countless women to create their own circles.

Our Experience at Scio

Our Experience at Scio

At Scio, we wanted to support women in tech and decided to start within our organization, so two senior colleagues and I began exploring options. We discovered LeanIn.Org, an organization that has inspired the creation of over 60,000 circles in more than 188 countries, with 85% of participants reporting positive changes in their lives due to their involvement.

We launched our first circle in June 2023 and have been meeting monthly ever since. Initially, we followed the topics provided by LeanIn.Org, but we soon began developing our own. These have included not only general leadership issues but also challenges uniquely faced by women in male-dominated industries. Topics have included Being the Only One in the Room, How to Respond to Microaggressions, Overcoming Self-Doubt, and Getting the Recognition You Deserve, among others.

In a recent retrospective session, participants shared how the women circle has benefited them:

  • Learning skills and tools to grow professionally
  • Building stronger relationships with other women in the organization
  • Increasing self-confidence by reflecting on achievements
  • Becoming more assertive
  • Feeling supported by other women
  • Gaining the courage to try new things

One participant shared how strategies discussed in the circle encouraged her to advocate for her ideas during a critical project meeting. Another mentioned that the circle’s support was invaluable during a turbulent personal time. These achievements fill us with pride and determination. We plan to continue meeting monthly, rotating moderation and topic preparation to develop leadership skills further.

Women in Tech Circles Can Support Diversity

Globally, only 47.7% of working-age women participate in the workforce. In technology-related fields, women make up less than a third of the global workforce, according to the World Bank. The picture is slightly better in advanced economies like the United States, where women held 35% of tech jobs at the end of 2023. However, their representation drops to less than one-third in leadership positions.

In LATAM, representation varies by country. For instance, women make up an average of 20% of the tech workforce in Brazil and 17% in Mexico. While progress has been made in promoting the entry of women into the industry, much work remains to be done.

At Scio, we’ve found that women’s circles effectively empower women in tech to overcome obstacles in their careers and help them remain in the industry. While quantitative data on the direct impact of women in tech circles on increasing diversity is limited, we believe these groups can also serve as a tool for attracting more women to tech. By creating and publicizing spaces that specifically support women, companies can demonstrate their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

Men’s Circles Are Important Too

Men’s Circles Are Important Too 

Professional men’s circles, while sometimes critiqued for perpetuating exclusivity, can play a pivotal role in advancing workplace equity. By incorporating discussions on gender dynamics and the unique challenges faced by women in tech, these groups can raise awareness and inspire male professionals to become allies. Programs like Catalyst’s Men Advocating Real Change (MARC) exemplify this approach, equipping men with the tools to advocate for gender equality within their organizations. 

Engaging men in these conversations is essential, as their involvement significantly enhances the success of equity initiatives. Research indicates that such programs are three times more effective when men actively participate. By fostering understanding and allyship, men’s circles can support individual growth and drive systemic change toward more inclusive workplaces. 

Create Your Own Circle 

Whether you’re seeking personal support or aiming to foster inclusivity in your organization, professional circles can be a transformative tool. If you cannot find a circle to join, create one yourself. Resources like Lean In Circles or WomenTech Circles offer guidance on getting started. Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore other topics that resonate with your group. The key is to take the first step—because creating a circle can lead to meaningful change, one meeting at a time. 

To learn more:

The Global Women’s Workforce

The Women Tech Talent Landscape in LATAM

Women in Tech: How Companies Can Attract, Support, and Retain Them

Transform your workplace culture

Thought Leadership: How men can advance gender equity at work

Yamila Solari

Yamila Solari

General Manager

What Will Software Development Companies Do to Enhance Developer Experience in 2025? 

What Will Software Development Companies Do to Enhance Developer Experience in 2025? 

High-Performance Collaboration, Outsourced Engineering Team, Software Development, Strategic Digital Nearshoring, Technologies

Written by: Rod Aburto – 

What Will Software Development Companies Do to Enhance Developer Experience in 2025?
The Developer Experience (DX) has become a strategic priority for software development companies aiming to attract and retain top talent while delivering innovative solutions. As we approach 2025, the expectations for what constitutes a great DX are evolving. Developers are seeking environments that offer seamless collaboration, personal growth, flexibility, and purpose. To meet these demands, forward-thinking companies are planning transformative initiatives that will redefine how developers work and thrive.
One of the more interesting trends emerging is Coffee Badging, a creative strategy to improve DX by fostering connections and informal collaboration. Let’s explore how this and other initiatives will shape DX in 2025.

1. Adopting the Coffee Badging Strategy

Coffee Badging is a practice where developers earn badges for informal, non-technical interactions with colleagues, like grabbing a virtual or in-person coffee to chat about their work or interests.

  • Why it matters: Coffee Badging encourages casual, low-pressure conversations that build relationships and break down silos between teams. These interactions foster trust, improve team dynamics, and make the workplace more enjoyable.
  • How it works: Companies might gamify the experience, awarding badges for certain milestones—like meeting all team members within the first month or initiating a cross-team discussion over coffee.
  • Impact: By humanizing interactions and promoting collaboration, Coffee Badging can make distributed teams, including those with nearshore members, feel more connected and cohesive.

2. Embrace AI-Driven Tools for Productivity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already transforming the way developers work, and its role in enhancing DX will expand significantly by 2025. Companies will leverage AI-driven tools to:

  • Automate repetitive coding tasks, such as debugging and refactoring, using tools like GitHub Copilot and Tabnine.
  • Provide intelligent code suggestions to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
  • Offer advanced analytics for project management, helping teams identify bottlenecks and optimize workflows.

By integrating AI into the development process, companies will empower developers to focus on creativity and problem-solving, enhancing both productivity and satisfaction.

3. Revolutionize Collaboration with Virtual and Augmented Reality

With the rise of hybrid and remote work models, companies will adopt Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) to transform collaboration. In 2025, developers may:

  • Participate in immersive virtual stand-ups and brainstorming sessions, creating a stronger sense of presence and engagement.
  • Use AR tools to visualize complex systems, making debugging and architectural planning more intuitive.
  • Collaborate in real-time virtual workspaces where code, design, and documentation coexist interactively.

These advancements will bridge the gap between in-office and remote teams, fostering a cohesive and engaging environment.

4. Personalized Career Development and Growth

To keep developers engaged, companies are offering opportunities for individualized growth and learning. By 2025, we can expect:

  • AI-driven platforms to assess skill gaps and recommend tailored learning resources, courses, and certifications.
  • Gamified skill-building programs to make learning more engaging and rewarding.
  • A shift toward micro-mentorship, where developers can seek quick, specific guidance from subject-matter experts on demand.

These initiatives will ensure developers feel supported in their professional journeys, increasing retention and job satisfaction.

Promoting Work-Life Balance

5. Promoting Work-Life Balance

Burnout and mental health remain critical concerns in tech, and companies will take a proactive approach to address them. By 2025:

  • Flexible work schedules and four-day workweeks will become more common, allowing developers to better balance personal and professional responsibilities.
  • Wellness programs will expand to include access to mental health resources, mindfulness sessions, and fitness incentives.
  • Companies will normalize asynchronous communication, reducing the pressure for constant availability and enabling developers to work at their peak productivity times.

By respecting developers’ time and personal lives, companies create healthier, more sustainable working environments.

6. Investing in Purpose-Driven Work

Developers in 2025 will increasingly seek roles that align with their values and offer meaningful impact. Companies will respond by:

  • Embedding sustainability and social impact into their missions, ensuring developers feel their work contributes to a greater cause.
  • Offering opportunities to work on open-source or community-driven projects as part of their regular workload.
  • Highlighting how their projects solve real-world problems, fostering pride and motivation among developers.

By aligning work with purpose, companies will create a deeper connection between developers and their projects.

Conclusion

The Developer Experience in 2025 will be defined by innovation, flexibility, and creativity. Strategies like Coffee Badging will emphasize the importance of human connections in a distributed workforce. Meanwhile, advancements in AI, VR, and AR, personalized growth opportunities, and a renewed focus on work-life balance will further elevate DX.
By investing in these approaches, software development companies won’t just attract top talent—they’ll create thriving, collaborative teams ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. For organizations looking to remain competitive, the time to invest in DX is now.

Rod Aburto - Senior Partner

Rod Aburto

Senior Partner

Expressing Needs is Essential for High-Performing Teams: Tips for Team Leaders 

Expressing Needs is Essential for High-Performing Teams: Tips for Team Leaders 

High-Performance Collaboration, Interculturality, Project Management, Strategic Digital Nearshoring

Written by: Yamila Solari – 

Expressing Needs is Essential for High-Performing Teams: Tips for Team Leaders

What Are Needs and Why Do They Matter?

In both our personal and professional lives, recognizing and expressing our needs is at the core of our ability to thrive. Acknowledging our needs can be thought of as accepting the essential requirements—whether professional, physical, or emotional—that help us perform at our best and feel fulfilled. Yet, expressing our needs can often feel vulnerable or even intimidating.

Marshall B. Rosenberg, the founder of Nonviolent Communication, emphasizes that assertive communication is built on clearly expressing needs, which are the conditions people need to thrive. According to his framework, unspoken needs can lead to misunderstandings and conflict, while openly sharing them fosters trust and collaboration. In the context of teamwork, especially within the framework of Scrum, expressing needs becomes even more critical.

For over 10 years, I’ve worked with software development teams, helping them overcome obstacles to reach high performance. One recurring lesson is this: teams that openly express their needs—whether professional, physical, or emotional—consistently outperform those that do not.

Why Needs Often Go Unexpressed

Despite their importance, needs are often left unspoken. Why is this?

  • Fear of Judgment: Team members may worry that sharing needs will make them seem weak or less capable.
  • Cultural Norms: In some work environments, there’s an implicit expectation to “push through” rather than address personal challenges.
  • Confusion Between Needs and Complaints: People may avoid speaking up because they don’t want to be perceived as complainers.

When needs are not expressed, the consequences can ripple through a team. For example, in one team I worked with, a developer felt overwhelmed by an unrealistic workload but didn’t speak up, fearing it would reflect poorly on their capabilities. Over time, this led to burnout, missed deadlines, and growing resentment within the team. Unmet needs like these can lead to frustration, disengagement, and even burnout. Worse, they can create a culture of avoidance, where team members stop addressing issues altogether.

How Scrum Creates Space for Expressing Needs

Scrum, a framework widely used in software development, offers built-in opportunities for teams to express their needs:

  • Daily Scrum: This quick, focused meeting is an excellent opportunity for team members to share blockers or request help. For example, someone might say, “I need more clarity on this requirement to move forward.”
  • Sprint Retrospective: The Retrospective is a powerful forum for reflecting on what went well, what didn’t, and what needs to change. It’s an ideal space to surface team-wide or individual needs, such as, “I need more time for code reviews to maintain quality.”

However, only high-performing teams take full advantage of these opportunities. This is only logical since high performance is often linked to psychological safety, where team members feel comfortable expressing their needs without fear of judgment.

Strategies for Expressing Your Needs Clearly

To express your needs effectively, consider these strategies:

  • Use “I” Statements: Frame your needs personally and specifically (e.g., “I need more context on this feature to complete my tasks”).
  • Be Specific: Avoid vague statements. Instead of “I need help,” say, “I need someone to pair with me on debugging this issue.”
  • Mention the benefits you will get: “The team needs to agree with the Sprint backlog for us to be completely onboard and empowered to achieve the sprint goal”

As a leader, modeling these behaviors can encourage your team to follow suit.

What Team Leaders Can Do

What Team Leaders Can Do

Team leaders play a crucial role in fostering a culture where needs are expressed openly. Here are some actionable steps:

  • Model Vulnerability: Share your own needs with the team. For instance, “I need everyone’s focus during this sprint because we’re on a tight deadline.”
  • Encourage Dialogue: Create regular opportunities for team members to share their needs. For example, start a meeting with a quick check-in round.
  • Build Trust: Trust is the foundation of open communication. Build trust by delivering on commitments, being transparent, and creating an environment where feedback is welcomed.
  • Actively Listen: Demonstrate that every voice matters by listening attentively and responding thoughtfully to concerns or suggestions.
  • Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer feedback that is focused on growth and solutions, not criticism. For instance, instead of saying, “This wasn’t good enough,” you could say, “Let’s explore how we can improve this process together.”
  • Facilitate Open Forums: Use meetings or Retrospectives to explicitly invite team members to share their thoughts and needs in a structured and safe environment.

By implementing these practices, leaders can build an atmosphere of trust where expressing needs becomes second nature for all team members.

Exercises to Practice Expressing Needs

To help teams develop this skill, consider these exercises:

  • Needs Mapping: Each team member writes down one professional, emotional, and physical need. Discuss these as a group to identify patterns and solutions.
  • Well-Being Check-In: Begin or end meetings with a round where team members share how they’re feeling and one thing they might need.
  • Role-Playing Scenarios: Practice expressing needs in hypothetical situations, such as requesting additional resources or clarifying a task.
  • Retrospective Needs Circle: Add a segment to Retrospectives where team members share one need that was met during the sprint and one that wasn’t. Use this to identify actionable improvements.
  • Needs vs. Complaints: Practice reframing complaints into needs. For example, “I’m tired of these last-minute changes” becomes, “I need earlier notice of changes to plan effectively.”

 

What Team Leaders Can Do

Conclusion: Put Needs First

Expressing needs is not just a personal skill—it’s a team competency. By addressing the full spectrum of needs—professional, physical, and emotional—teams can improve trust, strengthen communication, and unlock their highest potential.

As a leader or team member, you have the power to prioritize needs and encourage others to do the same. Start small: share one need in your next meeting and invite your team to do the same. By making this a habit, you’ll help your team reach new levels of performance and satisfaction.

What needs are you ready to express today?

Yamila Solari

Yamila Solari

General Manager

Collaboration Trends for 2025: The Future of Teamwork 

Collaboration Trends for 2025: The Future of Teamwork 

High-Performance Collaboration, Nearshore, Outsourced Engineering Team, Project Management, Strategic Digital Nearshoring

Written by: Adolfo Cruz – 

Collaboration Trends for 2025: The Future of Teamwork

As we enter 2025, how we collaborate in workplaces is undergoing a seismic shift. Driven by technology, changing workforce expectations, and the need for more inclusive work environments, organizations are embracing new methodologies to enhance productivity, creativity, and employee well-being. Here are the top trends shaping collaboration in 2025.

1. AI-Enhanced Collaboration

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic buzzword; it has become integral to team collaboration. AI tools now automate routine tasks such as scheduling, task allocation, and document management, freeing time for teams to focus on strategic initiatives. These tools also provide actionable insights through data analysis, making decision-making faster and more informed.

For example, AI-driven platforms can suggest the best meeting time based on team members’ availability and time zones or analyze project data to highlight potential risks. Shifting from individual productivity tools to cross-team AI collaboration systems contributes to seamless teamwork.

2. Hybrid Work Models as the Norm

The hybrid work model, which blends remote and in-office work, has solidified its place as the standard for 2025. Companies are investing in physical office spaces that cater to hybrid teams, incorporating hot desks, collaboration zones, and quiet areas for focused work.

Flexibility is key, with employees having the freedom to choose their work environment. This model enhances work-life balance and expands the talent pool, as companies can hire skilled professionals from different geographical regions.

3. Immersive Collaboration Technologies

Technological innovations are bridging the gap between remote and in-person interactions. Tools like Google’s Project Starline offer lifelike 3D video conferencing, making virtual meetings almost like in-person conversations. Features like spatial audio and natural eye contact enhance communication, enabling more meaningful collaboration across distances.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are also used for team collaboration, providing immersive environments for brainstorming sessions, training, and product development.

4. Co-Creation Takes Center Stage

Co-creation, a collaborative methodology that engages employees, customers, and partners in developing products or strategies, is gaining traction. Organizations can generate more innovative ideas and solutions tailored to real-world needs by involving diverse stakeholders from the outset.

For instance, LEGO and Nike have successfully leveraged co-creation by allowing users to contribute to product design. This participatory approach drives creativity and fosters stronger connections with customers and partners.

5. Focus on Inclusive Leadership

As teams become more diverse, inclusive leadership is emerging as a critical factor in successful collaboration. Leaders prioritize equity, empathy, and cultural competence, creating environments where all team members feel valued and empowered to contribute.

Inclusive leaders foster psychological safety, encouraging open dialogue and the sharing of diverse perspectives. This approach enhances team dynamics and drives innovation by leveraging each member’s strengths.

6. Prioritizing Employee Well-being

In 2025, organizations are taking a holistic approach to collaboration by addressing employee well-being. Mental health programs, flexible work schedules, and wellness perks are now integral to workplace culture. Companies embed well-being into their collaboration strategies by recognizing that healthy employees are more productive.

7. Continuous Learning and Upskilling

With rapid technological advancements, the demand for upskilling is higher than ever. Organizations are investing in training programs to ensure employees can effectively use new tools and adapt to evolving work methodologies. Collaborative learning environments, such as peer-to-peer mentoring and team-based skill-building workshops, are becoming commonplace.

Looking Ahead

Looking Ahead

The trends shaping collaboration in 2025 reflect a broader shift toward inclusivity, flexibility, and technological integration. By embracing these changes, organizations can create work environments that drive innovation and efficiency and prioritize the needs and well-being of their teams.

As the future of work continues to evolve, the companies that lead the way will stay agile, adapt to emerging trends, and put people at the center of their collaboration strategies.

Adolfo Cruz - PMO Director

Adolfo Cruz

PMO Director