A CPO’s Perspective on a Global Workforce

October 22, 2024

Let’s talk about the future of work, because, frankly, it’s already here. Throughout my career in Human Resources, I’ve had a front-row seat to the evolution of the workforce. Organizations have shifted from a traditional approach, where everyone worked in the same office, to a dynamic, global operation with talented individuals spread across multiple countries. This shift has been a game-changer for both organizations and employees, bringing a wealth of benefits, but also a unique set of challenges. It has highlighted the critical need for clear communication, adaptability, and ongoing evolution. To fully reap the benefits of a global workforce, organizations must continue to adapt to its demands.

The Benefits of a Global Workforce

Let’s face it – talent doesn’t adhere to geographical boundaries. Here’s why a global workforce is becoming increasingly more important:

• Access to a Wider Talent Pool: When we look beyond our own backyard, we discover a whole world of talented people. By casting a wider net, we can connect with skilled professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, increasing our ability to find the ideal candidates for specialized roles. I have found this particularly helpful when hiring for highly technical roles, like those in Tech and Data Analytics. We strive to open our roles locally and then expand as needed.
• Cost Optimization: Hiring globally, particularly outside of the US, is a delicate balance between maximizing talent while optimizing resources. We can tap into skilled professionals in places where the cost of living is lower. Also, with more employees working remotely, office-related expenses decrease, allowing organizations to reinvest in their teams and operations. A true win-win situation in my eyes. That said, there’s no substitute for in-person time (more on this later!).
• Hello, Innovation! Bringing together individuals from across the US and other countries introduces diverse perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. This melting pot of ideas creates an environment where innovation thrives.
• Enhanced Company Culture: A global workforce makes our company culture richer and more inclusive. Team members gain opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds, fostering empathy and collaboration while creating a more inclusive work environment.

 

The Challenges of a Global Workforce

While the benefits of global hiring outweigh the challenges, it’s not without its hurdles. There are a few key areas organizations need to focus on to try to make it work as smoothly as possible.

• Communication and Collaboration: When working with any team, communication must be a top priority, especially with a global team. I’ve had my fair share of learnings here. Different languages, locations, processes, and cultures can make it hard to keep everyone on the same page. With the right focus, tools, regular check-ins, and a commitment to clear communication, we can ensure that all team members are working toward the same goals, no matter their location. This certainly takes work – it means really digging in to understand the unique operations of each office location and finding balance and alignment.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Navigating different labor laws across countries, and even states, can be complex. That’s why partnering with local experts who understand the nuances and intricacies of these laws is critical. Plus, having in-house attorneys who are knowledgeable about multijurisdictional regulations ensures we protect both our employees and the organization.
• Building Trust and Team Cohesion: This is a big one. Building trust with a predominantly remote team spread across multiple countries takes effort. As teams continue to grow, scale, and hire in different locations, I’ve found at times it can bring uncertainty to existing team members who have been with the company long-term. Makes sense. Companies need to get creative to bring people together like virtual team-building and learning and development opportunities, regular, intentional in-person time, and cross-functional team projects. For example, we host a bi-annual Palooza in both our US and DR location to bring team members together. We’ve found that making space for employees to share their experiences, especially face-to-face, helps build trust and creates a sense of belonging.

 

Final Thoughts

In today’s world, the future of work is no longer geography bound. Expanding our workforce beyond traditional borders opens up exciting possibilities for innovation, growth, and opportunity. However, it also brings its share of challenges. We are learning as we go, evolving our approach to meet the unique needs of our people. By focusing on communication, compliance, and connection, we are working to build one unified team, regardless of geographical location. While we may not have all the answers yet, one thing is certain: the only constant is evolution.