Why Improving Remote Work Culture through Global Hiring is Important

Going global has become an increasingly popular strategy for companies hoping to take advantage of all the benefits a global hybrid or remote-friendly workforce can offer. Although companies around the world were forced to shift to remote operations due to the global pandemic, many are now considering – or already moving toward – hybrid remote work policies for the long term. As for those organizations with sights on global hiring, the rise of the hybrid remote-work culture represents a game-changer for their talent needs.

What Does Advocating for Remote Work Culture Mean?

In a remote-friendly culture, there may or may not be physical offices. Employees have the option to work from home or in a company workplace, but everyone—regardless of location, has the same access and opportunity to information, career development and advancement, and performance management. Additionally, some companies that adopt a remote-friendly culture also implement asynchronous communication, meaning work for every employee doesn’t have to happen at the same time.

A remote-friendly culture is not the same as a remote-friendly culture. In a remote-friendly culture, remote work is allowed or considered a privilege, but work is still defined by traditional office structures and policies.

The key is that in remote-friendly culture, work is what employees do, not where they go.

Advantages of a Hybrid or Remote-Friendly Culture

1. Happier Employees

One reason for the satisfaction difference between remote and office workers is a likely improvement in work-life balance. Especially for people who live in large cities, working from home removes the commute factor. 

2. Increased Productivity 

The idea of remote workers are likely to be more productive than onsite employees is not new. 

In a recent study, 27% of employers reported that productivity is higher now with employees working remotely than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. According to 2023 work-from-home statistics, there is a 62% increase in remote workers’ productivity. For employees with asynchronous hours, productivity can be even better, because they choose to work at times when they can limit distractions and when they feel most productive.

3. Access to a Large Pool of Top Talent

Employers who embrace a remote-friendly culture open themselves up to a significantly deeper employee talent pool. Because they’re no longer limited to their immediate regions, companies can seek the best talent for their needs virtually anywhere in the world. And because workers are remote, the organization doesn’t have to worry about relocation costs.

4. The Importance of a Strong Organizational Culture

It’s no surprise that companies with positive work cultures are more successful. Positive company culture can enhance employee well-being, engagement, and loyalty. Positive work culture is supportive, empathetic, and mission-driven. Consider the specific qualities you want to see reflected in the way your employees work together day to day.

An organization’s cultural norms have far-reaching effects. They determine what’s encouraged and accepted and what’s discouraged and rejected within a group. A well-defined organizational culture can provide employees with a shared purpose and can help a company thrive. Company culture may be harder to measure or pin down than metrics like salary, but it has a real effect on employees’ daily experiences. And it has an ongoing effect on a company’s success.

Creating a Positive Global Business Culture

Building your company culture may seem like an elusive concept, but organizations can take an active role in shaping their culture — a culture that unites employees across the globe. Let’s look at some key steps to achieving this ideal.

1. Understand and Honor Cultural Differences

Remember that having a strong organizational culture doesn’t mean ignoring or stifling differences. Just as research has shown the importance of strong company cultures that all employees can share, it has also shown the importance of diversity within companies. Different perspectives can help companies innovate and even reshape their corporate culture if needed.

2. Ensure Your Culture is Well-Defined

You should also ensure your company culture comes through on your website and other platforms like your LinkedIn page. This can help prospective employees learn more about your company and whether it fits their idea of positive company culture.

3. Hire Employees Who Fit Your Company Culture

Once you have a firm idea of what your company’s culture looks like, you should intentionally hire employees across the world who will be a great fit with that culture. Do you need employees who are self-motivated and can work well independently? Then make sure you seek out employees who have these qualities, no matter where they’re from.

How to Hire Globally to Support a Hybrid or Remote-Friendly Culture

Because of the expanded talent opportunities that a remote-friendly culture provides, your HR’s challenge may be to figure out how to hire the global talent they’re now able to recruit. The simplest and most cost-effective route is through a global outsourcing company. An outsourcing company like Booth & Partners will enable you to hire workers in compliance with all local labor, payroll, tax, banking, and contract requirements.

If, for example, your remote-friendly organization wishes to hire employees in a country where you don’t have a legal business entity, you can use an employer of record service (commonly known as EOR) to hire workers on your company’s behalf. You then manage the employees and their performance, while the employer of record handles the legal requirements. Though legally employed by the employer of record, the workers are, in effect, your employees.

To know more about these services and how you can improve your remote working culture, get in touch with us.