The team's estimations are constantly underestimated. How to improve?

If the team consistently underestimates estimates, several approaches can be applied to improve accuracy:

• Retrospective and analysis: Conduct a discussion with the team to understand the reasons for underestimation — fear of not meeting deadlines, desire to show high productivity, or lack of information.
• Use of historical data: Compare past estimates with actual completion times to adjust future estimates.
• Task decomposition: Break down large tasks into smaller ones to make estimation more accurate and easier.
• Implementation of buffers: Add a time buffer to estimates, considering uncertainty.
• Application of planning techniques: For example, Planning Poker helps the team arrive at a more realistic estimate collectively.
• Training and transparency: Explain to the team the importance of honest estimates for planning and managing expectations.

Example: if a task is estimated at 3 days but the team regularly spends 5, it is worth revisiting the estimation criteria and adding a buffer or clarifying requirements.