Transitioning to a Global Remote Workforce During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly reshaped the global work landscape, potentially in lasting ways. At Globalization Partners, our paramount concern has always been the well-being of our employees. As the pandemic unfolded, we swiftly closed our global offices and transitioned our employees to safe remote work environments. We often made this choice even before government mandates were imposed.

Here's a firsthand account of how we smoothly transitioned our worldwide workforce into a remote team and continue to operate effectively from home.

Three Swift Actions That Facilitated Our Remote Transition:

  1. Employee Safety Priority: We ensured all our employees had the necessary tools and infrastructure to work remotely, prioritizing their safety and well-being.
  2. Proactive Customer Engagement: We engaged with our customers to understand their needs and how we could assist during this challenging period.
  3. Enhanced HR Services: We rapidly developed a complimentary offering for eligible customers and prospective clients seeking to hire talent during or shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic. This package includes virtual interviews, salary benchmarking, country-specific expertise, and more.

Unlocking the Value of Remote Work:

While the impact of COVID-19 on our work habits endures, there are several advantages to cultivating a remote-capable workforce.

  1. Enhanced Productivity: According to recent surveys, remote employees often exhibit higher productivity than those commuting to offices daily.
  2. Access to Global Talent: Remote work broadens access to a diverse talent pool worldwide, transcending geographical constraints.
  3. Market Expansion: A remote workforce enables entry into new markets, extends global reach, and fosters diversification. Diverse companies are better positioned to capture emerging markets, and various management teams can boost revenue by 19%.

Addressing Common Remote Work Challenges:

Adjusting existing structures, technology tools, and processes to remote environments may present challenges, but these challenges need not be obstacles to efficiency.

  1. Communication Technology: Access to appropriate communication tools is vital. Establish these tools and ensure global employees receive adequate training and have the necessary communications infrastructure in their respective locations.
  2. Consistent Processes: Process consistency is crucial, particularly when managing remote teams. Regular team meetings and one-on-one sessions between managers and team members help maintain a sense of connection.
  3. Diverse Information Dissemination: People absorb information differently. A video-first approach fosters human connections, while regular all-hands meetings across time zones maintain effective communication. Utilize email, instant messaging platforms like Slack, and internal podcasts to share updates and engage employees.

Tips for Boosting Productivity:

Amid the physical dispersion of global teams due to COVID-19, maintaining a sense of connection and inclusion is pivotal to sustaining productivity.

  1. Flexible Time Management: Allow employees to manage their time effectively, acknowledging that schedules vary. Please encourage them to structure their workday, blocking off time for focused work without interruptions.
  2. Active Breaks: Encourage employees to avoid sitting at their desks for extended periods. Incorporating physical activity during remote work can enhance motivation and overall productivity.

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how we work, and embracing remote work strategies with adaptability, empathy, and effective communication can unlock significant benefits for employees and organizations.