Operating in the global marketplace has become more common with the advent of cloud computing and better communication technology. Global business isn’t just for Fortune 500 companies anymore. Smaller organizations can operate internationally as well, but doing so will require strategic planning to create the necessary infrastructure. One way to make that process easier is to choose HR software that has been built to accommodate global operations.
Operating on a Global Scale Brings Unique HR Challenges
Hiring and doing business in another country requires extensive preparation across the board, and HR is no exception. Managing an international workforce means understanding the laws, regulations, and employment terms unique to each region. Some of the challenges you will face include:
- Payroll—Your HR system must be conversant in alternate forms of currency, address constructions, social insurance numbers, and tax requirements.
- Benefits—Insurance, maternity/paternity leave, paid time off, and pension requirements vary from country to country based on the statutory legislation of each location. What constitutes an attractive benefit package in one country may not meet minimum requirements in another.
- Compensation—Compensation isn’t just a matter of translating your standard offerings into the local currency. You’ll also need to understand the local wage market to avoid offering either extremely low or extremely high compensation for that market.
- Safety regulations—Worker safety is often heavily regulated, but specific requirements will differ from region to region.
- Recruiting—Recruiting approaches will differ based on location, and will be affected by local internet access, language, and available advertising media. You’ll also need a way to track applicants across multiple languages, interview each candidate either locally or remotely, and comply with local notice period requirements.
Choosing the Right Software Can Prepare the Way for Global Success
As you prepare to launch an international location for your business, HR software that has been designed to incorporate global data will smooth the way for efficient implementation. For example, Kronos offers multinational workforce management solutions that include country-specific guidelines for meeting the local requirements of each country. These solutions are designed to address the challenges above, and may include:
- Global assessments to ensure compliance with regional legislative, union, and other requirements
- Global deployment teams to standardize deployment across different countries
- Single source management of all the data for your international workforce
- Built-in language and currency flexibility
- Payroll options
- Global network of system integrators to ensure a successful launch
If there’s one constant in business, it’s change. As technology makes our world smaller, companies will need to meet international demand head-on. Internationally compliant HR software makes it possible to address the challenges of doing business across the globe while also lowering your total cost of software ownership with integrated solutions.
