Communication for a Global Workforce
Communication is key in creating a successful team, but it isn’t always easy when businesses are operating with a global workforce. A report conducted by ClearCompany reported that businesses with effective and clear communication are 50% more likely to have lower employee turnover.
The rise of globalisation has had significant impact on the way international businesses communicate. Companies are now more likely to have experienced employees who come from a range of cultures.
In this article, we are exploring the importance of communication for a global workforce, and acknowledging methods that can ease the process.
Ensuring a Productive Global Workforce
The main benefit from efficient communication in a workplace is the impact it has on productivity levels. Clear communication is essential for understanding the task at hand. Therefore, employees are willing and able to work together and complete their objectives without confusion.
Naturally, investing in communication and the workforce will produce many organisational benefits.
Ensure Regular and Open Conversations
For company culture and staff morale, it is important that everyone feels as if they have a voice. Open communication refers to sharing information in an honest, consistent, and transparent manner. The American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) found accountability meetings, that are used as a space to talk about anything, increase the likelihood of individuals fulfilling their goals by 95%.
Bring People Together
When workforces are located around the globe, it is easy for individuals to feel left out. It is important to prevent this as location shouldn’t matter. Many online streaming platforms, like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, allow for easy communication in global organisations. Some benefits of face-to-face communication includes: building trust, enhancing the power of human face, and increasing perception of feelings. All of these aspects assist in building relationships within the workplace.
Navigating Time Zones
For global workforces, communication in various time zones can cause some issues. However, establishing an understanding of different working styles can help avoid these problems. For example, when organising meetings, it is important to consider a happy medium that works for everyone. Naturally, one party might have to start work earlier, or finish later, so if this occurs, acknowledge this and show appreciation.
Small gestures such as an email signature stating “Our work hours might not align, so don’t feel the need to respond straight away” can build a positive workforce and remove the unnecessary pressure.
Show an Interest
One huge benefit of working in a global business is that there will be people who come from a variety of different cultures. Show an interest. Alongside this, organisations can create internal culture where learning and sharing is encouraged.
When there are various office locations within the business, there is opportunity to recognise a range of national days and public holidays. It has been reported that different cultures can bring new ways of thinking and can prevent an organisation from being narrow-minded.
At Visuna, we can help ensure moving abroad to work is a seamless process. We take care of payroll, tax, travel, and human resources for your international staff through our global mobility services. We can offer relocation support to the successful candidate, so contact us today.
