As working remotely has become more popular since the pandemic, employers have discovered that they must often onboard remote employees from countries different than their own. Working with remote workers from abroad can be a complex process due to cultural differences, language barriers and the difficulties of distance management, legislation complexities, and other challenges.
If you are an employer looking to onboard remote workers from abroad following are a few key things to consider for a successful engagement.
1. Understand Cultural Differences
It’s important that as an employer you understand and respect the cultural differences of your new remote hire. Having an understanding of each employee’s unique background can help you make sure that everyone is on the same page and able to work together without any confusion caused by differing customs, language or practices.
Hiring remotely requires employers to foster work relationships built on mutual respect through cross-cultural competence which involves being aware not only of one’s own culture but also of how behavior affects other cultures with whom one communicates. With this mindfulness comes greater flexibility in adapting behaviors as well as enhanced performance efficacy in competing within fast-changing marketplaces globally!
Employers need to put effective conflict management strategies in place especially when problems related to feelings arise during interactions – this includes periodic reviews amongst team members, conversations and open honest constructive criticism within areas of improvement, potential further adjustments of teamwork dynamics, and established guidelines before the beginning of the project execution.
2. Engage in Regular Communication
Distance can make the job of managing an international team more difficult so it is essential that clear communication is maintained between team members and management. You should ensure daily check-ins with each member of your remote staff across multiple time zones as well as provide access to additional resources where possible such as teleconferences, online chat services or phone calls when necessary. Additionally, regular feedback should be given regarding progress via video conferencing or chat platforms instead of solely relying on email correspondence which could result in lost messages and misunderstandings.
3. Provide Adequate Training
Your cross-border hires need adequate training to ensure that they understand their role fully no matter what their experience level is before they take on their new role in your organization. Provide easy access to any resources needed such as manuals, step-by-step tutorials, webinars, etc. It helps if you invest in some sort of software that enables an interactive learning environment for all employees regardless of geographical location.
4. Support Your Employee’s Language & Technical Needs
Having a strong IT infrastructure will ensure smooth functioning communication between all parties involved including yourself, employees, and customers located around the world no matter what country they are located in.
