Remote work will democratise opportunities for everyone

Remote work is not a passing fad. The advent of global remote work and its widespread acceptance means humanity’s greatest resource, our brains, can be harnessed for maximal impact. Tapping into the greatness of our human potential – via global remote work – will empower the emergence of a better society, for all of us.

Why forward-thinking companies will not go back

The global pandemic has shined the spotlight on fissures in our societal systems. But it has also opened a window to what is possible: a more connected global community, where people are working efficiently towards shared missions – from anywhere and everywhere in the world.

Most companies will never go back to an office-first environment, likely because their employees do not want to, and from a business standpoint, there is no reason to do so.

Three ways remote work creates opportunity

There are three central reasons the rise of the remote workforce may help level the playing field on a global scale:

1)     Remote work can create jobs in countries and economies where there are few.

What if who you are and what you have to offer mattered more than where you are? If you put limits on location, you are putting limits on the talent you invite to your team. Companies that are remote-first know this, and that is why they set out to hire the best in the world, versus the best in a commutable distance from their office.

By spreading the net wide, you can tap into highly qualified talent pools, many of which are found in emerging economies.

“Most companies will never go back to an office-first environment, likely because their employees do not want to, and from a business standpoint, there is no reason to do so.” – Charles Ferguson, General Manager, APAC, Globalization Partners

2)  Remote work has the power to disrupt the traditional flow of capital.

When the pandemic began, concerns about venture funding and the continuity of investment activity mounted. After all, the venture capital industry is one largely powered by personal relationships and proximity.

Venture capital holds international influence. When local talent has access to capital, they can solve local problems, create local jobs, and accelerate global change.

3)   Remote work can advance ideas, technology, and innovation – on a global scale.

Technology itself is a marvel, but what is even more astounding is its power to spread ideas – faster and more effectively than in any other time in history.

An exchange of knowledge, ideas, and skills flows both ways. With talent gaps that grow ever larger, companies based in developed economies face a skills deficit that will significantly harm their growth.

Companies are powered by people. People drive innovation. And remote work can bring the best companies and the brightest people together.

The challenges ahead

As of October 2020, only 59% of the world’s population had Internet access. The infrastructure required to support a global remote workforce is clearly one of the top obstacles to overcome for a complete shift.

In addition, many communities with Internet infrastructure do not have the resources to access it – costs may be too high, they may not have a connective device, or they may simply not have adequate infrastructure at home.

If they do have all of the above, what if they do not have the education required to get a remote-based job? There are deeper issues that must be solved, and simply announcing the beginning of the remote work era will not do it.

Creating opportunities for everyone is a worthwhile mission

The mission behind Globalization Partners is simple: We want to break down barriers for everyone, everywhere. By giving companies the ability to hire anyone, anywhere, quickly and easily, and provide all the advantages of full-time employment, like benefits packages and HR support, we continue to break down barriers with each and every new team member our customers onboard across the globe.

Charles Ferguson is General Manager, APAC, Globalization Partners, and he will be making a presentation titled What to do when everyone is everywhere: Global remote teams at HR Tech Fest Connect 2021, which is taking place from May 27-28.