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Companies that foster positive work cultures are more successful. A positive company culture creates loyal employees and boosts wellbeing and engagement. However, as companies build a global remote workforce, ensuring employees feel included and valued becomes more of a challenge. 

When it comes to attracting top talent, culture often determines whether someone will want to join your team in the first place. In a survey conducted by Glassdoor, half of respondents stated that company culture makes a bigger difference than salary when it comes to their ultimate job satisfaction.   

The good news is that employees across the globe all care about the same things. They want to feel comfortable working with their colleagues, supported by management and encouraged to contribute as a team player. According to the Society of Human Resources Management, a positive work culture results in employees and management being much more aligned in how to respond to issues. Employees also recognize they will be rewarded for exemplifying company values.

Here are some steps to ensure your global business culture unites and supports employees around the world: 

  1. Recognize cultural differences

Countries have different styles of communication and work habits. It is critical to assess how people view work-life balance and how effective communication styles works in a particular country. Developing an empathetic company culture that respects differences and celebrates diversity is essential to company success.

2. Define your culture 

You know who you are – you know what your company stands for. Including well-defined values in your employee handbook is a good first step. Highlighting your company culture on your website and social media platforms can help prospective employees learn more about your organization and determine if they are a good fit.

3. Hire correctly 

One of the benefits of growing a business globally is having the option to hire the right people anywhere. At the same time, it is crucial to assess whether candidates are a cultural and professional fit. The worst thing you can do to your amazing company is hurry up and just get people in the door, when in your gut you know they are not the right fit. Do yourself and your team a favor and wait for the right person – it is always worth the wait.

Though remote global teams may be physically separated, you can still create a positive and connected company culture. When hiring globally, getting help from in-country experts is an excellent way to manage traditional HR issues, and allows you to focus on forming a strong, inclusive work culture.  That local expertise paired with the right leadership can enable companies to have a harmonious workplace culture that transcends borders and time zones. 

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Debbie Millin

Debbie Millin formally joined Globalization Partners in May of 2016 after acting as an advisor since early 2015. With over 20 years of operational, project management, and client relationship experience in a variety of industries, Debbie’s specialization is supporting companies experiencing rapid growth to scale their systems and processes. Debbie has helped grow Globalization Partners to be the No. 1 fastest growing women-led company in America and has helped two different companies achieve the honor of No. 1 fastest-growing private company in Massachusetts — including Globalization Partners in 2017. Just prior to joining Globalization Partners, her consulting firm, offering part-time COO services, was named in Boston Business Journal’s “Startup Watch: Five to Follow”. Debbie graduated with honors from Bentley University, and is a life-long Massachusetts resident and Boston sports fan. An admitted coffee addict, she also enjoys a nice glass of whiskey and spending time with her husband, two children and extended family.

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