Global Workforce Management
2 min read

Adapting HR for Global Success Through Flexibility

global employees
Written by
Paul Arnesen
Published on
February 9, 2024
Global Workforce Management
Remote Work Strategies

Companies entering foreign markets will experience a significant change, which means that HR strategies need to be reevaluated to keep up with the new environment. 

Consider the case of TheyTech Innovations, which started its global growth with a philosophy based on flexibility, inclusion, and the health and happiness of its employees.

This is a fictional case, but the story is very true to all companies.

Adapting to the global workforce

It became clear that traditional HR frameworks needed to be better for managing a diverse international team as TheyTech handled the challenges of going global. 

Instead of sticking to a strict plan, TheyTech chose to make its strategy based on the different needs and points of view of its workers worldwide.

This way of doing things was based on the idea that the office could be anywhere, breaking down physical barriers to encourage people worldwide to be connected. 

Their team believed in this, and only a tiny percentage chose standard office work when they were given the choice. This meant everyone could find a way to work that fit their lifestyle and productivity.

The power of hearing

A commitment to active listening was at the heart of TheyTech's approach. 

Through polls, forums, and one-on-one talks, TheyTech got all its employees' feedback.

This conversation made it clear that people strongly prefer open work arrangements and stressed the importance of keeping in touch and being friendly even when you live far away.

Making a Plan That Works for Everyone

With these new ideas, TheyTech changed its HR practices to support health, flexibility, and inclusion. 

TheyTech improved its wellness programmes and made its work schedules more flexible because it knew its workers worked in various settings. 

The goal of this project was to take care of its employees' physical and mental health, taking into account the different time zones' rhythms.

This dedication to creating a helpful and flexible work environment paid off, bringing in top talent worldwide and creating a culture of creativity and teamwork beyond national borders.

A look ahead

TheyTech's story shows that getting used to global growth is an ongoing process. 

TheyTech's policies are still being shaped by feedback from workers worldwide.

This way, even as the company grows, it will still be where people from different countries work together.

Strategies for HR success

After thinking about its journey, TheyTech came up with a few essential methods that other companies that want to use a global workforce could use:

  • Accept flexibility

Make flexible work rules based on the different needs of your global team.

Invest in tools and programmes that help team members who live in different places connect.

This will help them feel like they belong and encourage them to work together.

  • Prioritise Listening and Adaptation

Make listening an essential part of your HR plan, and use your team's feedback to keep improving how you do things.

  • Pay attention to health

Understand how important it is to take care of your physical and mental health, especially if you work from home or in a spread setting, and make sure that your benefits meet these needs.

TheyTech Innovations was motivated by success stories like Atlassian, Oyster, Automattic and its own experiences with going global. 

Its story shows how effective flexible HR strategies can be in today's linked and diverse world. In the future, TheyTech is not just getting used to change but shaping it, one person in the global team at a time.

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Remote Work Strategies
Cultural Adaptation and Inclusion
Global HR Policy Development
International Team Collaboration
Human Capital Strategist
Paul Arnesen
Human Capital Strategist
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