Under the thumb of COVID-19, almost all aspects of business operations have seen drastic changes, and the pandemic has resulted in much uncertainty when it comes to expanding internationally.
COVID not only restricted businesses physically from expanding globally and realising the benefits of globalisation in 2021, but it also erected mental barriers: the fear of the unknown.
However, where physical restrictions went up, digital barriers came down. The past year saw an extraordinary uptake in online communications technology, meaning we’re arguably better connected with the rest of the world than ever before.
As we reach the end of another eventful year, the globalised world continues to shift and evolve. But as things start to settle, businesses can, once again, think about global expansion in 2022.
So, now that globalisation’s back, what will organisations need to keep in mind when laying out their plans for global expansion in a post-pandemic world?
Driving business forward with remote working
When the world was faced with national lockdowns at the beginning of 2020, most businesses were forced to take themselves remote if they wanted to stay operational.
And thanks to global digitisation and the rapid development of communications technology, many organisations not only adopted remote working but also recognised its long-term benefits. As a result, a more flexible approach to hybrid working has prevailed throughout 2021.
In 2022, globalisation will no longer be just about the international trade of goods. Instead, it’ll centre on companies’ abilities to hire talent without boundaries. And making remote working a permanent feature of business models and expansion plans will allow organisations to hire employees from anywhere in the world.
On the one hand, the union of remote working with globalisation has made hiring talent a whole lot easier. However, hiring overseas workers isn’t always a walk in the park. There are plenty of administrative and regulatory hoops for businesses to jump through to ensure the hiring and onboarding process is handled correctly and that compliance is met at every turn.
As such, a global employer of record (EOR) will likely form the backbone of many companies’ global expansion plans in 2022 — enabling them to choose the right people for their business without worrying about all the heavy lifting and administrative burdens that happen behind the scenes.
Putting customer experience first
Next year, enhancing customer satisfaction will also be a top priority for many businesses. If companies want to operate on a global scale and have workers stationed all over the world, customers still need to feel that they’re working with or buying from a single, unified business.
Employee productivity impacts customer satisfaction significantly. So, no matter where employees are based, they’ll need to be managed efficiently to provide a seamless experience that keeps customers happy. Outsourcing to a global EOR enables companies to streamline their HR processes and remove the headaches of managing a global workforce across various time zones and jurisdictions — essential for maintaining productivity as companies scale up and across international borders.
Being a digitally savvy business
In 2022, digitally savvy businesses will have the upper hand. Forget labouring over paper files or trying to organise and manage employees manually. Not only does going paperless have a positive impact on the environment, but it also allows organisations to access all aspects of their business from anywhere in the world, at any time.
Taking advantage of the digital tools available makes managing a global workforce much more straightforward, giving organisations the power to go further — in terms of growth and geography. For global expansion in 2022, choosing an EOR provider with a centralised digital platform will be essential, allowing businesses to manage their growing international workforce at the click of a button.
As a global employer of record, TopSource Worldwide will act as an extension of your business, managing all your international employment requirements to drive your overseas expansion and help you unlock business around the world. So, don’t let fear prevent your global expansion in 2022. Our team and experts on the ground can help you smooth out the complexities associated with expanding overseas and guarantee compliance across every aspect — all while keeping costs down. Get in touch today.
