How technology supports remote work globally

Amid the global pandemic, the world made the switch to working remotely. And in its wake, remote working has remained the preference of workers the world over. In fact, a recent US survey showed that only 6% of surveyed workers wish to return to full-time work onsite, with a staggering 60% opting for a hybrid model.

As the working world adjusts to this seismic shift in the reality of day-to-day work, technology is supporting remote working in a number of ways.

Employing globally

Let’s start at the start. Before an employee can begin to work remotely, they must be hired – and technology plays a key role in this process. Technology has supported globalisation through facilitating companies hiring remote talent around the world via job sites and recruitment agencies.

Businesses can now quickly and conveniently hire employees in foreign countries – with virtual onboarding made easy by video calls and online platforms, and time zone differences easily navigated by global teams.

AI can support global recruitment by discovering candidates, while AI recruitment tools can ensure the appropriate jobs are shown to the desired talent – speeding up and streamlining the process of global recruitment.

Connecting teams

Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and other video conferencing software make it possible for teams to remain connected, no matter where they are. Employers relied so heavily on these platforms during the pandemic, that some reported so-called ‘Zoom Fatigue’ among their workers.

Regardless, it is undeniable that video conferencing platforms carried businesses through the pandemic and continue to facilitate the day-to-day reality of remote working, perhaps, more than any other form of technology.

Messaging apps such as Microsoft Teams and Slack are also quick and easy ways to casually connect colleagues, without the time commitment of a call. Questions, comments, endorsements, and words of thanks can all be shared over a brief message exchange, allowing workers to communicate efficiently, and informally as they may in an office setting.

File sharing

Having an online storage system enables remote workers to access important company files. Microsoft SharePoint, Dropbox, and Google Drive are all examples of online systems, where remote employees can store, share, download, and work on company documents in the online space.

Managing projects

Technology can also support when managing a global team to keep track of projects. Tools such as Trello and Asana can help dispersed remote team members, to keep track of their own projects and progress, as well as those of their team members.

Project management platforms allow the creation of tasks, assignment of tasks to individuals, and the setting of deadlines. With team members in varying locations, working in different time zones from one another, project management platforms provide a clear overview of workloads, progression, and project status, while keeping the team on the same page.

In short, remote working - as we know it today - could not happen without technology. From ensuring the ability to hire globally, to clear, consistent communication methods, to project management and file storage, technology supports the remote working model that has been embraced around the world.

If you are thinking of expanding into new locations, or hiring globally through an Employer of Record, our team of experts can help. Contact us to find out more.