Before making any business decision, you need to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages. So, if you’re thinking of recruiting international talent for your tech business then you need to know what to expect.
International recruitment can be the key to taking your business to the next level. To help you make the best hiring decision for your business we’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons of hiring talent from abroad.
Advantages of Hiring Foreign Talent
Larger talent pool
Depending on your business location, you may find that the job market is small or it’s simply difficult to find the right candidates with the right skills or expertise in your local area or even within the country. In this case, opening the doors to global talent gives you a wider searching ground and better chances to find the ideal candidate with the hard or soft skills you need for the job.
International experience and insight
Adding to your team, someone from another country and culture helps give your business a global presence. The new recruit will bring with them a new perspective, fresh ideas and new approaches to solving problems. If they have worked in the same field in their home country, they will also bring insight to that market and possible contacts, allowing for possible expansion or could also help you stay ahead of the competition.
Inner motivation
Hiring someone who is willing to uproot their life and take on the challenge of a new job in a new country, may just have the unique personal qualities you need. It takes a great deal of stamina, resilience, adaptability and confidence to make such a drastic change. Hiring someone who isn’t afraid of a challenge and with those particular characteristics can be a real asset to the company.
Rewarding work environment
Creating a multi-cultural team can be extremely beneficial. People learn from their peers, and foreign workers can bring a new set of skills to the table and not only from a business perspective. They can also enhance the team dynamic on a personal and cultural level by creating an interesting and rewarding work environment for all. Happier employees are more engaged and more productive, so it’s a win-win situation!
The Disadvantages of Hiring from Abroad
Higher Costs
Hiring employees from outside the country does incur extra costs. This higher price is mainly due to the relocation packages and settlement assistance. Of course, it does depend on what your company is capable of, but usually, employers will be expected to cover interim accommodation, in-bound transport, and any residency and work permits.
Immigration requirements
Depending on the country you are hiring from, you may face immigration paperwork and not all countries have the same procedure or requirements. The process can take considerable time, which may also cost you money while you wait for your new employee to be granted residency. Be sure to check with your own immigration office before making your final decision.
Additional support
Even if all goes to plan and your new employee has arrived and started work, your support doesn’t stop there. Life as an expat can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also be extremely challenging. They may experience culture shock, homesickness, and loneliness- all of which may make them reconsider their relocation decision.
As well as making integration into the company as smooth as possible, as an employer of an expat, you also have a responsibility to ensure they also feel at home in their new city. You may need to give additional support with language learning, a social programme, and general help with navigating their new life. You will also have to build regular check-ins into your business schedule to address any issues that come up.
Weighing it up
Of course, it all depends on your company position, but hiring abroad has many benefits from accessing a larger pool of talent to more innovation, international relations and a better work environment for all.
If your organisation is looking to hire the best tech talent, then head to our employer page now and get immediate access to a list of highly skilled and fully qualified candidates.