[ad_1]
As more employers support remote work, more companies recruit from the global workforce. Hiring international employees allows you the onboard the most qualified workers for your jobs. Managing a diverse and global workforce comes with its unique challenges. Here are some ways to build a strong team.
Working with a global team, team building – illustrative photo. Image credit: Vlad Hilitanu via Unsplash, free license
Table of Contents
Recognize Burnout
Keep an eye on your employees, especially their performance, attendance, and behavior. If there are any changes, your team member may be experiencing burnout. Burnout isn’t always related to work but can also be from home. If you see symptoms of stress, discuss your observations with your employee. Look for creative ways to support them:
- Offer a modified work schedule to help them care for older parents
- Reduce their workload so they can get care of personal health concerns
- Provide a company loan through an international money transfer app
Work With Time Differences
Having team members across multiple time zones is challenging. Try to coordinate meetings during overlapping work hours. Under normal circumstances, you should not ask employees to come in late or work early. Try recording meetings and sending the recordings to all team members. A subtitle service can add subtitles in the team members’ languages.
Acknowledge Language Barriers
Differences in language are a big challenge. Acknowledge the challenges but find ways to support them. Take the time to learn some simple phrases in your employees’ native languages. You may initially make some mistakes, but they will appreciate the effort. You can also offer English classes to help non-native speakers improve their fluency. If you are not proficient in their language, hire an interpreter for meetings or training sessions.
Control Your Gestures
All cultures have their unique non-verbal communication. Be sensitive to gestures, postures, or behaviors during meetings. Even idioms often confuse non-English speakers. Some common faux pas when interacting with international employees and clients are:
- Wearing disrespectful clothing
- Keeping your shoes on when entering someone’s home
- Using gestures perceived as obscene, such as the peace sign
- Remaining seated when being introduced to elders
Respect Cultural Differences
All employees must understand the importance of respecting the cultural differences of team members. Consider bringing in cultural sensitivity speakers that specialize in the global marketplace. Team members should strive to recognize each other’s diversity and how those differences make them unique. Build dynamic teams by encouraging each person to embrace each other’s individuality.
Acknowledge Religious Traditions
Religious practices and traditions are fundamental practices for many individuals. Embrace the differences and build a community that acknowledges and supports diversity. When employees’ faith traditions and practices are validated, they are more satisfied with their employers. Encourage diversity by:
- Offering flexible holidays that coincide with national holidays
- Establishing planned breaks for people to pray at certain times of the day
- Respecting employee fasting as part of their faith traditions
- Providing a safe place for employees to have respectful conversations about their traditions
Understand Legal Protocol
Every country has its unique regulations regarding labor laws. You can modify company policies across the enterprise. However, some employers prefer to develop individual contracts based on the country’s laws. Speak with human resources specialists to implement the most efficient policies.
A global workforce can bring additional knowledge and experience to your company. When you focus on hiring the best person for the job rather than the closest, you will find your business growing.
[ad_2]
Source link
