Olivia

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Having consulted for various tech firms, Olivia brings a wealth of experience and innovation to the art of recruiting and retaining tech talent. Her actionable advice is backed by years of hands-on experience, making her a trusted name in tech hiring circles.

Why SMBs Should Be Growing Global Teams

Updated on April 19, 2024

Hiring

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Global teams are the future of work, and small and medium-sized businesses should be ready to enter this new era where you don’t need to keep everyone in the same office space in one location. Employment and cooperation already transcend geographical boundaries, offering SMBs the opportunity to enhance their competitiveness, foster innovation, and adapt to market fluctuations through a diverse, global workforce.

Embracing global teams allows SMBs to tap into a vast pool of talent and perspectives, driving innovation and embedding global insights into their operations. As SMBs start this journey, they face the challenge of effectively finding and uniting global teams, and TurnKey Staffing can give you advice on this matter.

The Competitive Advantage of Global Teams for SMBs

The integration of global teams into the framework of small and medium-sized businesses is not just a trend; it’s a strategic evolution that offers a competitive edge in today’s.

Diverse Perspectives Enhance Innovation

One of the most significant advantages of global teams is the infusion of diverse perspectives they bring to problem-solving and innovation. Employees from different cultural backgrounds and experiences contribute unique viewpoints and ideas, enriching the creative process. This diversity fosters a culture of innovation, helping a medium or small business to develop more versatile and appealing products and services for a global market. By leveraging these varied insights, SMBs can outpace competitors, tapping into new and underserved niches that others may overlook.

Access to a Global Talent Pool

Global teams open the door to a vast, international talent pool, allowing SMBs to recruit specialists and highly skilled professionals from around the world. This access is particularly valuable in industries facing local talent shortages or in need of niche expertise. By casting a wider net, SMBs can fill critical roles with the best candidates, irrespective of their geographical location, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of innovation and operational excellence.

Cost Efficiency Through Strategic Hiring

Building a global team offers any small or midsize business the potential to achieve significant cost efficiencies. Different regions come with varying cost structures, enabling businesses to optimize their operations by hiring in markets where the talent is not only abundant but also cost-effective. On average, supporting an offshore team is several times cheaper than maintaining the in-house or onshore team. This strategic approach to staffing can provide cost savings that SMBs can then reinvest in growth initiatives, research, and development, or expanding their market presence.

Expanded Market Understanding and Reach

Having team members in different parts of the world naturally enhances an SMB’s understanding of those markets. Local insights from global team members can inform product development, marketing strategies, and customer service approaches, making them more relevant and effective. This localized knowledge acts as a catalyst for SMBs, enabling them to penetrate new markets with greater confidence and withstand the competition from larger companies. Additionally, a global team can provide SMBs with around-the-clock productivity, leveraging time zone differences to ensure that the business is always active, responsive, and engaged with its customer base.

Strategic Steps to Building a Global Team

Building global, remote teams requires strategic planning and thoughtful implementation. For SMBs hiring employees from abroad, certain steps are critical to ensure the transition is smooth and the outcome is successful.

Identifying the Right Roles

The first step in building a global team involves identifying which roles are best suited for globalization. This decision should be based on the strategic importance of the role and the ease of management across different geographies. Start with roles that are naturally inclined towards remote work and have a global scope, such as digital marketing, software development, or customer support. These roles typically require less hands-on supervision and can benefit significantly from diverse cultural perspectives. Additionally, consider roles where there is a clear advantage in accessing a global talent pool, either due to local talent shortages or the need for specific expertise that is more readily available in other regions.

Leveraging Technology

The backbone of any effective global team is the technology that supports collaboration, project management, and communication. SMBs must invest in a robust technological infrastructure that facilitates seamless interaction among team members, regardless of their location. Key tools include:

Collaboration Platforms. Solutions like Slack or Microsoft Teams enable real-time messaging, file sharing, and collaboration, keeping team members connected and informed.
Project Management Software. Tools such as Asana, Trello, or Jira help in tracking tasks, deadlines, and progress on projects, reducing the negative effects of the time difference on productivity.
Video Conferencing. Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams are essential for face-to-face meetings, fostering a sense of presence and facilitating more nuanced communication.
Cloud Storage and Sharing. Platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive allow for easy and secure access to documents and resources from anywhere.

Investing in these tools and ensuring that the team is proficient in using them are critical steps in building an effective global team.

Creating a Global Work Culture

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of building a global team is creating a cohesive company culture that transcends geographical boundaries. This requires intentional efforts to foster a sense of unity, shared goals, and mutual respect among team members from diverse backgrounds. Strategies to achieve this include:

Regular Virtual Team-Building Activities. Organize activities that encourage interaction and bonding among team members, such as virtual coffee breaks, online games, or cultural exchange sessions.
Inclusive Communication Practices. Be mindful of time zones and cultural differences in communication styles. Encourage open dialogue, actively seek input from all team members, and celebrate cultural diversity.
Shared Vision and Goals. Regularly communicate the company’s vision, goals, and successes. Ensure that every team member understands how their work contributes to the broader objectives of the SMB.
Recognition and Inclusion. Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and milestones of global team members. Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

Building a Global Team with the Help of Turnkey Staffing

So, how can you connect with candidates from another country? Cooperate with TurnKey, the strategic partner that helps you identify and hire top tech talent. TurnKey’s unique staffing solutions help SMBs build a global team effortlessly, ensuring a perfect synergy between offshore talent and development needs.

Custom-Recruited Development Teams for a Perfect Fit

TurnKey stands out by custom recruiting the top 3% of offshore talent, ensuring that each developer is not just highly skilled but also a perfect fit for your company’s specific development needs and culture. This precision in recruitment means your global team will be comprised of individuals who are fully aligned with your project objectives and work ethos, embodying the “rock and roll fingers” gesture of confidence and readiness to tackle any challenge.

World-Class Talent Retention Program

One of the pivotal benefits of partnering with TurnKey is our world-class talent retention program, which effectively reduces churn by more than 50%. This is achieved through competitive compensation and creating an emotional connection between the developers and your collective success. The result? A loyal, motivated team that is deeply integrated into your product development team and culture, mirroring a “glass of water” symbol of clarity, necessity, and life-sustaining value.

Complete Transparency and Control

TurnKey promotes complete transparency about how much your developers are compensated, empowering you with the knowledge and control to dictate their compensation directly. This transparency extends to the decision-making power on developer seniority, with TurnKey’s fees being capped to ensure fairness and clarity in every transaction. Such transparency is symbolized by a “contract,” representing the clear, straightforward, and honest dealings that define your relationship with your global team.

Robust Employer of Record Services

Navigating the legal complexities and risks associated with employing a global team can be daunting. TurnKey offers robust Employer-of-record services, mitigating all legal complexity and risk. This comprehensive legal support allows you to focus on what you do best — leading your business to success — while TurnKey handles the intricacies of international employment law.

Leveraging Talent from Latin America & Eastern Europe

TurnKey recruits the top 3% of developers from Latin America and Eastern Europe, regions renowned for their exceptional talent and conducive time zones. By tapping into these talent pools, SMBs can build an offshore team that not only excels in technical expertise but is also ideally positioned for seamless collaboration across various time zones.

Hire top talent from Eastern Europe and Latin America with TurnKey

Summing Up

Global hiring, remote workers, and offshore teams present small and medium-sized businesses with a unique opportunity to thrive. By building global teams, SMBs can tap into a wealth of diverse talent, drive innovation, and operate with a competitive edge that is essential in today’s market.

Moreover, the benefits of adopting a global team extend beyond just accessing top talent and achieving cost efficiencies; they embody the creation of a more inclusive, innovative, and dynamic business environment. As SMBs look to the future, the integration of global teams will not only be a strategy for growth but a fundamental shift towards a more interconnected and resilient business model.

FAQ

How can SMBs effectively manage communication across different time zones in a global team?

Managing a global team requires strategic planning around time zones to ensure smooth communication and workflow. SMBs can adopt a flexible work schedule, allowing for overlapping hours when all team members are available for meetings and collaboration. Utilizing asynchronous communication tools and platforms also helps, ensuring that work progresses even when team members are not online simultaneously. Regularly scheduled catch-ups and updates can be planned during those overlapping hours to foster a sense of unity and sync up on projects.

What are the key considerations for SMBs in maintaining cultural sensitivity within global teams?

Cultural sensitivity is crucial for the harmony and efficiency of global teams. SMBs should prioritize cultural awareness training, encouraging team members to share information about their cultural backgrounds and work practices. Celebrating diverse holidays and traditions can also promote inclusivity. Open communication channels for feedback and concerns about cultural misunderstandings are essential, as is adapting company policies to be culturally inclusive and respectful.

How can SMBs ensure the legal compliance of employing international team members?

Ensuring legal compliance when employing international team members involves navigating various laws and regulations across countries. SMBs can leverage Employer of Record (EOR) services, like those provided by Turnkey Staffing, which handle legal and HR responsibilities, including compliance with local employment laws, tax obligations, and payroll. Additionally, consulting with legal experts in international employment law can provide tailored advice to maintain compliance and mitigate risks associated with global employment.

#global teams #small and medium-sized businesses #SMB

April 9, 2024

TurnKey Staffing provides information for general guidance only and does not offer legal, tax, or accounting advice. We encourage you to consult with professional advisors before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business or legal rights.

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