How does a global team compare to an in-house workforce?
In a time where rising costs ultimately control the fate of your business, employing labour overseas is likely to have crossed your mind – and if not, now it has. There are many stereotypes surrounding this way of working, though as we know, assumptions are often proven inaccurate. So we’re going through the pros and cons of both global and in-house employees, and any specific considerations of either approach.
In-house workforces
The traditional team tends to be located within a central HQ, whether it be an office, workshop, or any other type of location. This is a proven way of fuelling collaboration, offering sufficient support around the board and ensuring all employees stay in the loop with general business matters. More recently, this is being accompanied by a small amount of remote working to improve work-life balance and motivate people further.
Advantages
Being all in one location helps build a closer team with better working relationships, meaning employees feel understood and like they belong within the business. This is very likely to have a positive impact on the overall output of a workforce. In addition to this, there is very little chance for communication issues until remote working is considered.
Disadvantages
However, the traditional workforce has its flaws. Firstly, the cost of UK labour currently cannot be ignored. Behind energy costs, the rising cost of labour is the main reason businesses are increasing their prices. This is a huge reason you should consider using global talent in your workforce. In addition to this, there is a limited candidate pool when narrowed down to a small radius in the UK, especially if they must be able to commute to your office.
Global employees
The future of work is rapidly turning to global employees, following the success of remote working in the UK in recent years. This essentially works on the same mechanism, only the staff are much further away. This can be a great way to turn a business around, though it will only be effective in roles that can be done online or over the phone. For example, a telemarketer or software developer would work perfectly, whereas a builder would not be possible.
Advantages
Employing workers from around the world can benefit your business in numerous ways, one of which is by extending your candidate pool and increasing your chances of finding the skilled labour you need. With the UK being short of skilled labour, this could give you an edge over any competition. In addition to this, depending on the location you’re hiring in, you can save a significant amount over a UK team. For example, at DeskFrnd, we save our clients up to 60% of their UK pay bill, whilst paying more than 30% above in-country averages.
Disadvantages
One of the only issues with global workforces is that your success can depend on the provider you use, which means carrying out your due diligence is extremely important. If a provider does not take the time to fully understand your business then this is a recipe for disaster. The right provider will recruit based on your business needs and long-term goals, along with any more information you share.
In conclusion, global hiring is a significant tool within recruitment, as it eliminates many drawbacks of traditional employment. Although it is unsuitable for businesses with physical services, those who can use it will have a huge advantage over their competitors. In-house workforces still have their place, and we’d recommend using them in collaboration with an overseas team, using the wealth of today’s technology.
If you’re interested in expanding your team, book a chat to see how we can help!