Framework for remote Scrum teams
Just as Scrum.org introduced Nexus to address the complexities faced by multiple Scrum teams working on a single product, I find it surprising that they haven’t yet formally addressed the challenges unique to remote Scrum teams.
In recent years especially following the COVID 19 pandemic, remote work has become the norm rather than the exception. This shift has introduced new dynamics in communication, collaboration and team cohesion, which impact how Scrum is practiced. More impactful, there are those who believe that this shift might have impacts for the first Agile value.
While many organizations have adapted informally, there is a clear need for structured guidance or an official framework from Scrum.org to help agile teams thrive in a remote environment. I think that a dedicated initiative or framework much like Nexus for scaling could offer practices, patterns and tools tailored to remote settings. This would support us in navigating common obstacles such as time zone differences, digital collaboration fatigue, asynchronous decision-making and maintaining transparency and engagement across distances.
If Nexus was the answer to scale, perhaps it’s time for Scrum.org to provide an answer to distance ..
What do you think ?
Scrum doesn't address the challenges unique to co-located teams either. That's what makes it a framework.
The Scrum Guide says:
"Scrum exists only in its entirety and functions well as a container for other techniques, methodologies, and practices."
...which is where the "practices, patterns and tools" for remote working which you allude to fit in.
Bear in mind that:
- Many teams are neither totally co-located nor fully remote, but mixed, and that this might present an even greater challenge.
- The more teams are encouraged to self-organize -- including determining their own membership -- the more resilient they are likely to be.
With today's technology, you don't have to be in the same room to use Scrum exactly how it is designed today. A different framework or changes to the framework shouldn't be required. Now do you maybe need different tools? That is outside of the framework that is a practice that depends on the team and their capaiblities, etc.