The 7 Deadly Sins of Remote Staffing
And how to avoid them
Thanks to Bill Keller of Staffing Global for authoring this article!
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, remote staffing emerges as more than just a trend — it’s the future of how businesses operate. Yet, diving into the world of global staffing can be daunting.
The unfamiliarity of the terrain, combined with age-old fears of the unknown, keeps many firms tethered to traditional staffing models. The irony? By sticking to what you know, you’re missing out on a world brimming with untapped talent and potential.
While the rules of the remote staffing game might seem intricate, they’re not insurmountable. With the right guidance, the rewards far outweigh the risks. Let’s explore seven of the most common misconceptions to avoid to ensure your remote staffing endeavors are built on a foundation of expertise.
1. Assuming a degree means qualified
The prestige of a diploma often outweighs the knowledge it represents, and firms make a perilous error in equating a degree with qualification. While this misconception might not have drastic consequences in countries with uniformly rigorous educational systems, it can lead to grave miscalculations in the diverse educational landscape of the global staffing market.
As firms venture into the realm of remote staffing, they must navigate the landscape with discernment, ensuring they’re not blinded by the allure of a diploma but instead focus on the genuine capabilities of potential hires.
2. Thinking culture is irrelevant
Competence, reliability and efficiency are often the primary benchmarks for success. But lurking in the shadows, and often overlooked, is a silent influencer that plays a pivotal role in determining the success of a global remote working relationship — culture.
Understanding and respecting cultural nuances can be the linchpin for a successful global remote working relationship. As the world becomes more interconnected, the ability to navigate these cultural intricacies will become not just an asset but a necessity.
3. Implementing a global remote hiring strategy without an internal champion
When you think about tapping into vast reservoirs of talent, achieving cost efficiencies and fostering a diverse workforce, global remote hiring is alluring. But like any significant venture, diving headfirst without a strategy or leader can spell disaster. That’s why it’s best to move forward with an internal champion.
Global remote hiring is not a turnkey solution; the intricacies involved require guidance, leadership and a dedicated focus. And that’s where the internal champion comes in, steering the ship through uncharted waters and ensuring the journey is not just successful but exemplary.
4. Assuming you’re communicating clearly
Communication is the lifeline of any organization, particularly with remote staff. A message may seem clear in the sender’s mind, but by the time it travels across digital platforms, time zones and cultural contexts, it can become muddled, misinterpreted or entirely lost. Never assume there has been clear communication.
As leaders, it’s tempting to externalize problems, but the most transformative growth often comes from introspection. When faced with unexpected outcomes, rather than immediately attributing it to an external source, pause and reflect on the clarity of your communication. This introspective journey, though challenging, will hone your communication skills, benefitting not just your interactions with global remote staff, but every conversation and instruction you deliver.
5. Not having SOPs developed
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are the lighthouses guiding the ship of operations. The absence, or inadequacy, of SOPs can lead an organization in to rocky shores of inefficiency, inconsistency and miscommunication. It’s a myth that remote workers require proximity for training and guidance. In reality, what they require is clarity, structure and direction — elements that SOPs readily provide.
Not having SOPs can hinder the full realization of the benefits of global remote staffing. By investing in creating and refining SOPs, firms can not only leverage the potential of remote workers but also enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their entire operation.
6. Thinking an asynchronous working schedule will work if yo’ve never done it before
The allure of having work done “while you sleep” is undeniable. The idea of waking up to completed tasks and progress made by a remote team halfway across the world is a vision many firms dream about. However, this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if not approached correctly, especially for firms new to the remote working landscape.
While the promise of a 24/7 work cycle is tempting, the path to achieving it is through understanding, synchronization and trust. Dive into the deep end of asynchronous work without these, and you can derail your remote staffing ambitions.
7. Not allowing time to work through issues
In our fast-paced, instant-gratification world, patience can sometimes feel like a lost virtue. But with remote staffing, patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s an absolute necessity.
While the world races ahead seeking quick fixes, those willing to invest time in building robust global teams stand to gain a competitive edge. Don’t rush the process, nurture it. In doing so, you’ll not only build a successful remote team but also future-proof your firm in a rapidly globalizing world.
Know the rules of the game
As you look to build a remote staff, it becomes evident that the path to success is paved with unique challenges and unprecedented opportunities. The age of globalization and digital connectivity has ushered in a paradigm shift in how you perceive and implement staffing strategies. While the potential benefits are enormous, so too are the pitfalls if you are unaware or unprepared.
These seven deadly sins aren’t merely pitfalls; they are a testament to the fact that while the rules of the game have changed, the principles of diligence, understanding and adaptability remain relevant.
Learn More
Want to hear more from Bill about these deadly sins and how not to commit them? Check out this podcast: