Companies that prioritize diversity in their workforce are not only more innovative, but also better equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. A valuable source of diversity that HR professionals can leverage is the wealth of perspectives offered by international employees.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how HR leaders can harness the unique knowledge of their international employees and what lessons can be learned from companies’ distinct practices abroad.
How Business Cultures Differ Around the World
Before discussing what HR professionals can learn from their international employees, it is important to recognize how workplace culture varies from country to country, as well as the inherent differences that employees internationals can bring to their new role in the United States.
Although hiring foreign workers expands your company’s access to global talent, cultural differences and varying expectations regarding workplace norms can potentially lead to conflict. It is therefore crucial to understand the differences between cultures around the world.
Between 2017 and 2019, the Harvard Business Review (HBR) launched a study online assessment to explore how corporate culture varies in different regions. HBR received over 12,800 responses from around the world, where respondents were asked to categorize their business according to eight distinct cultural styles.

Source: Spencer Stuart, Harvard Business Review
Rankings varied significantly between countries, with some trends showing consistent results in specific regions.

Source: Spencer Stuart, Harvard Business Review
The HBR study shows how international employees from different environments and corporate cultures often bring a wealth of diverse cultural experiences and perspectives at the table.
Human resources professionals must recognize that a multicultural team is a driver of innovation. Merging different viewpoints fosters creativity, allowing teams to design inventive solutions to complex challenges. By embracing this diversity, HR leaders can create an environment in which employees feel empowered to express their unique perspectives, thereby fostering innovation within the organization.
Different approaches to reconciling work and private life
Companies in different countries have different approaches to work-life balance. Some cultures favor long working hours as a sign of dedication, while others place a greater value on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. HR managers can learn from the practices of international employees by adapting policies that reflect a more holistic view of work-life balance. This could involve flexible work hours and schedules, remote work options, or even incorporating workplace wellness programs.
Communication styles and collaboration
Communication is key to successful teamwork, and understanding different communication styles is essential for human resources professionals. International employees may bring different communication standards and expectations than their home country. HR leaders must foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves in a way that suits them. By integrating diverse communication styles into the workplace, teams can improve collaboration and efficiency.
Adapt recruitment and integration processes
Recruitment and onboarding process may differ considerably from country to country. Human resources professionals must adapt their strategies to effectively attract and integrate international talent. This includes a thorough understanding of United States Immigration Process, developing cultural integration programs and providing language support where necessary. By adapting these processes, HR leaders can ensure a smooth transition for international employees and set the stage for their success within the organization.
Unlimited Tip
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