Going global: How to unite employees across borders

In a post-Covid world, international borders are becoming less of a barrier for businesses looking to expand. With the increasing sophistication of virtual collaboration tools and remote onboarding, talent acquisition is no longer restricted to physical location.

But while technology has made it easier than ever to collaborate with a dispersed workforce, going global still has its challenges. Big questions remain about the long-term effect of separated teams and whether workplace culture can really survive the physical distance.

Speaking to HRD, Charles Ferguson, general manager at Globalization Partners, said instilling corporate culture requires intention and active effort to unite workers based across different countries.

“For example, companies that do not have a culture or corporate manual should consider creating one. This could take the form of a recorded video of the CEO, or an online course managed by HR,” he said. “It’s also important for all leaders to actively embody values and highlight the company values verbally when there is an opportunity to do so, such as recognising a colleague when they act clearly in line with the company’s culture.”

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At an upcoming HRD x Globalization Partners webinar, Ferguson will share insight into the strategy behind successful global workforces. Entitled Embracing the era of remote work: Think beyond the border, guests will also hear from Ben Bauert, CEO and founder at Facilitate, and Chelsea Perino, managing director, global marketing & communications at The Executive Centre.

All three speakers have world-class knowledge on the trends driving global organisations and how technology is enabling businesses to work better and smarter across geographical locations. Australia is also facing a significant skills shortage in certain sectors like tech. With the border still closed to potential new employees overseas, leveraging a remote workforce could be key for businesses in the tech space.

“Established tech hubs such as Singapore and New Zealand may be able to fill this gap, but emerging hubs can supply more cost-effective recruits from Bangalore in India, or Hangzhou in China to name the most prominent examples,” Ferguson said.

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At Globalization Partners, engagement levels were well above the global average during the pandemic – something Ferguson put down to the hard work of its employees. While HR plays a key role, he said engagement is a team sport.

To hear more insight from Ferguson, as well as Ben Bauert and Chelsea Perino, on the future of global workforces sign up to the upcoming HRD x Globalization Partners webinar here.