5 Key Hurdles to Hiring International Workers

Hiring international workers comes with its own set of challenges, but don't worry – they're definitely not impossible to overcome.

Here's the deal: tons of companies (77% according to one study) struggle to find the right talent. 

Especially in tech, where the United States alone will face a shortage of over 1.2 million engineers by 2026. 

Hiring foreign employees opens the door to a world of amazing candidates, but it comes with its own set of hurdles.

The good news? Overcoming these challenges is worth it. By hiring foreign workers, you'll gain access to the best global talent.

Let's jump into the 5 hurdles you might face along the way and how to tackle them.

1. Navigating Laws and Regulations 

Hiring international workers means dealing with a whole new set of rules. And that’s because every country has its own laws when dealing with employment, data and taxes. 

For example, data privacy laws are becoming more common every year. As of 2023, 71% of countries have them, with 9% of countries in the process of drafting their own. 

Understanding and following these rules and regulations is crucial if you want to go global. 

2. Managing Time Zones

One of the biggest headaches of international teams? Time zones. 

It can be tough to communicate effectively when everyone's clock is running on a different schedule. The key is managing workflows across time zones. 

This takes solid communication and some time-liberating tools.

Tools like Asana, Slack, and Google Workspace can help bridge the gap and keep everyone in sync, no matter the hour.

3. Cultural and Language Barriers 

Cultural and language barriers can be a real hurdle. 

Different work styles and expectations can lead to communication breakdown and confusion. 

A study by Forbes and Rosetta Stone showed just how big of an impact language barriers can have. Nearly 67% of respondents said poor communication led to worse efficiency. 

Over 40% said it hurt collaboration and productivity.

So, how do we bridge this gap? Promoting cultural understanding and offering training is a great place to start. 

Here's the kicker. Research by Korn Ferry shows that diverse teams make better decisions 87% of the time. These same teams are 70% more likely to hook new markets. 

A diverse workforce is a strong workforce, but it takes a little investment upfront.

4. Tackling Payroll and Taxes 

Managing payroll and taxes is already a juggling act. 

Throw in different countries and their laws, and it can feel like swapping balls for flaming chainsaws and hopping on a unicycle.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

Companies like Deel and Payoneer can help streamline this process and keep you compliant.

Top Tip: Offering competitive pay everywhere, no matter the location, is a great way to attract top global talent.

5. Building Your Community 

New remote employees need to feel welcome and included.

If you don't integrate international workers effectively, they can feel lost and struggle to do their best work. This can be frustrating for high performers who want to make a big impact.

The answer is simple: build a strong company culture.

Make sure remote workers feel like part of the team from day one. Buddy systems and regular check-ins can help everyone stay connected and engaged.

But remember, everyone works differently. Not everyone's energized by team-building exercises and hour-long socials. Get to know your team and understand what they need to win.

Hiring international workers might seem challenging, but the benefits are huge. 

Companies diving into the deep end open their doors to the global best. That means more diversity and greater skill sets. 

Are you ready to embrace the future of work? The future of work is global, and you can be a part of it.