What are the benefits of hiring staff across borders thanks to teleworking?

Although many companies reduce teleworking optionsthe pandemic, however, has introduced irreversible changes in the way of working. According to a report by Flex Indexfull-time teleworking is rare, yet 67% of US companies still offer flexible work. Mark Frein, COO of Oyster HRspoke with ‘Euronews’ at the Web Summit in Lisbon, about the importance of remote work at the time of hiring.

Recruitment company Oyster HR, founded in 2020, works with companies around the world to help them hire beyond your bordersovercoming legal and logistical obstacles. These obstacles include variations in employment conditions, taxes and redundancy packages.

“If you open an office in a country and develop all the infrastructure and legal status, you can hire people directly. But most of our clients are small companies and they don’t want to get involved in the complexity of opening an office. That’s why we are a company that helps increase the workforce without having to create an entity“concludes Mark Frein, interviewed by ‘Euronews’ in the Web Summit from Lisbon.

Women risk doing more housework when teleworking

By hiring workers from other countries, companies can improve diversity on several fronts, which could give them a competitive advantage. “If I’m only hiring where I have my corporate structure, I’ll be limited by the local economy, the local talent pool, and the local demographics. If I go global, That opens the talent market significantly.“Frein said.

Create a workforce that represents a variety of nationalitiesfor example, can provide a richer pool of ideas, with staff from different backgrounds offering new perspectives. In addition to cultivating international workforces, remote setups can promote diversity in terms of gender.

Studies show that flexible work policies can allow women reconcile family responsibilities with professional demands, which may have previously led them to leave work. However, these benefits are also weighed facing the risks. In particular, women can be expected to respond to more family demands during work hours if they work from home.

Risks and benefits of offshoring a global workforce

The relocation of the workforce implies ethical considerations linked to the fairness of local labor laws and wage requirements. It is normal to offer a lower remuneration if it is in line with market norms, although companies will want to factor living costs into salaries. “Hiring from other countries can also reduce labor costs. If I look for talent in my local community, It can be difficult and expensive to find workersby competing with all types of local companies,” explains Frein.

Protecting employee well-being also has to do with company culture. If someone is on the other side of the planet and does not feel included in the company’s operationsthat can create a barrier to your work experience,” explains Frein. For improve staff well-beingwhich has a direct effect on productivity, argued that managers must be “intentional and diligent” about the time available to connect,” he added.

The US backs down on the policies on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)

Frein notes that political backlash is pushing some companies to reverse its policies on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In particular, in the United States, companies such as Ford, Jack Daniels and Harley-Davidson have announced a reduction in their objectives.

This occurs in response to the threats of boycotts from conservative influencersof social networksalthough Trump’s presidency may influence further changes in course. Trump, who won 50.2% of the vote in the recent election, has referred to DEI policies as “illegal discrimination under the guise of fairness.”

Diversity in the workplace could be at risk

If companies feel that this stance reflects public opinion, they may be more reluctant to defend diversity. According to a survey of Pew Research Center Earlier this year, 56% of employed American adults said focusing on increasing DEI at work was a good thing.

About 28% responded ambivalently, while 16% said it was a bad strategy. Frein acknowledged that political tensions are high in the United States, but said diversity remains important to Oyster HR clients.