It came as a surprise to some when tech giants Twitter and Meta recently announced widespread layoffs. According to some theorists, this trend could be due to lingering doubts about remote work. Whether or not this is the case, it appears that many experienced workers are about to re-enter the job market.
Companies that accept that remote work is here to stay are now poised to benefit the most. We’ll examine some ideas surrounding remote work and give you essential information on how companies with an eye to global expansion and flexibility can take advantage of today’s workplace realities.
Why are Some Companies Still Struggling to Embrace Remote Work?
While many understand the potential benefits of remote working policies, others remain fearful or hesitant and risk being left behind. There are several reasons for this, but the most common include:
Proximity Bias
In general, there is a sense that workers are less productive outside of the sight of managers or team leaders. While this may be true for some, it’s more likely due to proximity bias. According to proximity bias, managers are more likely to focus on the achievements of workers they can see, thus giving the impression that remote workers achieve less.
This kind of problem requires companies to get creative and utilize new ways of working to ensure that the productivity of all workers is adequately tracked and recognized. In reality, remote workers can be more productive because they enjoy a better work-life balance. According to a recent study by Tracking Happiness, the ability to work remotely increases employee happiness by as much as 20%.
A Sense of a Loss of Control
Some believe that when employees are not sharing a physical environment, it’s harder to ensure delivery on targets or maintain quality. They may even go so far as to monitor remote workers further, leading to some legal issues.
This feeling can result from problems in maintaining consistent communication when reliant upon more traditional methods. At the same time, more progressive companies may see the benefits of reducing the amount of time spent on constant check-ins or follow-ups.
At the same time, other managers may even fear their roles are less secure if they are perceived to be less involved in the daily tasks of their team members, even if they don’t need to be. As a result, these same managers may be feeding the fears of those still unconvinced about remote work.
Non-Traditional Recruitment
It’s harder to be confident about hiring new colleagues if recruiters and interviewers never actually meet them physically. Many like to make hiring decisions by getting a feel for a teammate or employee through close interaction. This type of idea may not affect an employee’s abilities. Still, some recruiters or hiring managers may be reluctant to change or adapt their working methods to get with the times.
While it’s true that workers hired remotely are more likely to feel a sense of isolation, this is one of the more easily fixed problems. Building employee engagement in the digital age takes new ways of thinking regarding interaction in a digital workspace. This includes ideas such as a dedicated Slack or Teams channel, recurring touchpoint meetings or annual “all-hands” meetings in person. .
The Advantages of Strong Work from Home (WFH) Integration
Save on Property and Maintenance Costs
With less need for costly office space, companies can save on administration and operation expenses when considering expansion abroad.
Additionally, it’s typically larger companies like Twitter or Google that own their own office space rather than rent. This may be why they’re the most vocal about the problems of commercial property.
Remote working is almost always more cost-effective for smaller companies or those without their own property overseas. Companies that combine this with Professional Employer Organization (PEO) or Employer of Record (EOR) services can operate in the global market quicker and more efficiently than ever.
Employee Satisfaction and Opportunities
Happy employees are productive employees, and when your staff sees that you care about providing a positive work-life balance, they’ll repay you with a newly heightened sense of motivation. Even providing the option for hybrid or flexible hours can see a quick rise in worker satisfaction.
With no more expensive and unnecessary commuting creating unhappy employees, your team can live and work where it makes the most sense for them and for you. This opens up new possibilities for having employees where you need them most.
A World of Top-Quality Talent
When hiring from the greater global talent pool with no concerns about relocation, you can focus on hiring the best for your needs. Global markets require local knowledge, and there’s no easier way to get that than by hiring in your target area.
Why limit yourself to the talent available around you? Whether you need specialized expertise in a new market or you’re just trying to inject your company with fresh ways of thinking, remote work lets you hire employees with a view to future growth.
Hire Talent Around the World Through a Global PEO Services Provider
A PEO or EOR provider can be a simple way to hire remote workers overseas cost-effectively and with full compliance assurance from day one.
HR outsourcing service providers act as the legal employer for your workers in a target market. They provide all necessary HR functions on your behalf and allow you and your employees to focus on the tasks that matter for your success.
With industry tools and strategies, a PEO or global EOR services provider can save you time and money on employer responsibilities like local payroll taxes.
Let INS Global Provide Support for Your Remote Workers Worldwide
Thanks to remote jobs, there has never been a better time for companies to consider a new global expansion strategy. The opportunities that modern technology and new ways of thinking about the workplace provide mean companies can quickly and easily hire remote workers to fill roles worldwide.
While some international businesses are quick to cry out about the pitfalls of remote work, it’s now left to innovators and disruptors to benefit.
Finding an international mobility partner like INS Global is the first step to safe, simple, and streamlined employee hiring and management worldwide. You can hire or transfer workers in 80+ countries in as little as 48 hours through our leading approach to global employment and HR outsourcing.
Speak to one of our experienced global mobility experts today to learn more about how our world-class PEO and EOR services may be the perfect solution for you.
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