As UK businesses seek to attract top talent to grow faster and address skill gaps, one popular strategy is global and domestic remote hiring. This approach allows businesses to access a diverse pool of candidates from across the world to fill critical roles effectively.

But, following the newly elected Labour Party’s promises to reduce the UK’s reliance on overseas workers and address home-grown skills shortages, some businesses might be worried about what this means for talent hiring.

To put talent managers at ease, here are some simple steps to how organizations can successfully implement a global talent acquisition strategy and overcome common challenges in hiring global talent.

Understanding Global Talent Trends

Right now, there is a disconnect between visa applications and workers in the UK. According to Deel’s recent mobility report, the UK places fourth in employee visa applications, right behind the UAE, the Netherlands and France. However, fewer tech workers are actually choosing the UK to live and work in.

This is because many of these workers are staying in their home countries to work locally or are moving to other European countries with more flexible and welcoming visa laws. This trend suggests that for UK companies to hire top talent across the pond, they must offer remote working options to increase their attractiveness.

That said, the job market is currently witnessing an increase in talent mobility as more employees are taking full advantage of remote and hybrid working. According to a report by McKinsey, 87% of companies worldwide say they already have skill gaps or expect to within a few years. This is not so surprising considering that 50% of the UK workforce will require reskilling by 2025.

Opening up to a global talent market means that UK businesses can attract specialists from different regions who bring unique perspectives and skills. This diversity can drive innovation and growth, giving companies a competitive edge.

Successfully Finding and Retaining Global Talent

Finding and retaining global talent are two separate things. And they require a strategic approach that goes beyond competitive salaries. Companies need to focus on creating an inclusive culture that values diversity, values impact and professional growth, and promotes work-life balance. 

According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends report, employees stay at a job because of career advancement opportunities. Providing opportunities for professional development and career growth is crucial and what will make your team stay with you for the long run!

Not every great candidate will become a great remote employee. It’s not easy to wake up every morning, grab your cup of coffee and sit down for 8-10 at your home desk daily, so you must look for candidates loving this culture and opportunity, which requires both self-discipline and a love for what they do.

Leveraging advanced tech for recruitment and onboarding can also enhance the experience for remote employees. Once hired, remote employees are given the necessary resources and support, including robust IT infrastructure and regular virtual check-ins, ensuring they feel connected and engaged.

Overcoming Challenges in Global Talent Acquisition

One of the significant challenges in global talent acquisition is navigating the complex legal and regulatory environments of different countries. Businesses must ensure compliance with local labor laws, tax regulations and employment standards.  To effectively manage these, organizations can employ a variety of proactive strategies, such as staying up to date on regulatory changes using robust tools, fostering partnerships with local legal experts and investing in comprehensive HR team training.

Another challenge is maintaining a cohesive company culture across diverse and geographically dispersed teams. Regular communication and team-building activities can help bridge cultural gaps and foster a sense of belonging. Using collaboration tools and platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams and Zoom allows for real-time collaboration through features such as virtual whiteboards, integrated project management tools and AI-driven productivity analytics.

In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding global talent acquisition strategies is critical for businesses seeking to remain competitive and innovative. As the UK navigates its post-election landscape and adapts to the Labour Party’s proposed policies, focusing on retention through inclusive culture and professional development and overcoming legal, cultural and technical challenges will enable organizations to successfully build a diverse and skilled workforce.