Resources - Express Global Employment https://expressglobalemployment.com/ Your Express Global Footprint In Over 190 Countries. Thu, 21 Mar 2024 19:11:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 213224912 Navigating Change: An Interview with Acumen International’s CEO, Nick Ganzha https://expressglobalemployment.com/blog/navigating-change-an-interview-with-acumen-internationals-ceo-nick-ganzha/ Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:57:33 +0000 https://expressglobalemployment.com/?p=21252 In a revealing conversation, Nick Ganzha, CEO of Acumen International, shares insights into the company’s innovative approach to global employment and technology. He delves into Acumen’s strategic vision, its response to the challenges of remote...

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In a revealing conversation, Nick Ganzha, CEO of Acumen International, shares insights into the company’s innovative approach to global employment and technology. He delves into Acumen’s strategic vision, its response to the challenges of remote work, and the trends shaping the future of the global workforce.

Q: Can you outline the main objectives of the recent leadership meet-up in Cyprus?

A: Our primary goal was to introduce Acumen’s shift towards humanised technology, defining our objectives and roadmap. We are a human focused business supported by technology where we can tailor our solutions to the specific client needs and provide them with the solutions no platform can provide.

It was also a moment to reunite our team, celebrate our long-awaited reunion, welcome new members, and reflect on our remote working experiences. We also outlined actionable steps to improve our overall Employer of Record Services based on our comprehensive experience in the Global EOR market.

Q: After such an unprecedented few years, how did it feel to meet up with the team again?

A: Meeting with the team again stirred a complex blend of emotions. It felt as though everything had changed yet remained the same. The team’s unwavering dedication and level of engagement were palpable, but there was an underlying need to realign these qualities with our new strategic goals and the evolving market demands. 

To evolve the concept of unity, it was more than just unveiling a new strategy and roadmap. It involves engaging with and listening to our global team’s feedback and their perceptions of market needs. This approach has proved immensely effective in transforming our team into passionate advocates and active participants in implementing our ideas, particularly our shift towards a technology orientation. We discussed how each individual and department could actively contribute to fostering a digital-first culture. This initiative aims to develop an organisation that is not only adaptive and digitally fluent but also deeply human-centric, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

This reunion was a poignant reminder of the resilience, adaptability, and collective spirit of our team. It reinforced the importance of embracing change, fostering open communication, and uniting behind a shared vision. As we look to the future, it’s clear that our journey towards integrating technology and human-centricity is not just about responding to immediate challenges but shaping the future of global employment in a way that is inclusive, innovative, and aligned with the evolving needs of the workforce and the market.

Q: What have you learned from the transition to a global remote workforce, and how will this shape your services moving forward?

A: The shift to a global remote workforce highlighted the value and staying power of such a model. The geopolitical challenges, especially the Russian war against Ukraine, tested our resilience and adaptability. 

The transition has been illuminating on multiple fronts. Here are the key learnings and how they will influence our future direction:

  • Global Remote Workforce Viability:
    • The shift affirmed the sustainability and benefits of a global remote workforce, emphasising that this trend will persist.
    • Leveraging opportunities across countries, we recognised the immense value and potential of tapping into a global talent pool.
  • Rethinking the People Business:
    • The concept of (Global) PEO was re-evaluated, transforming into a leverage to retain the key dispersed personnel. 
    • We faced an unprecedented Ukrainian talent exodus and responded by providing solutions for employing and re-employing talent globally, becoming the #1 go-to partner for Ukrainian businesses and a primary international employment provider.
  • CSR and Personal Responsibility:
    • My commitment to corporate social responsibility intensified, leading to significant participation in CSR initiatives supporting Ukraine.
    • This personal responsibility transformed into a broader commitment, rallying our employees around these causes.
  • Testing Our Own Solutions:
    • Amid the war, we were able  to test our EOR solutions first-hand, employing our staff through our services in various locations. This experience broadened our Global EOR expertise, proving the effectiveness of our services under extreme conditions.
  • Going Global as a Survival Strategy:
    • The necessity of going global, once a choice, has now become a survival strategy for businesses.
    • This realisation underpins our strategy moving forward, emphasising our role in guiding businesses through arising upheavals and global employment complexities
  • Future Direction:
    • Our experiences will inform our product and service development, offering insights to our global clientele on navigating global employment challenges.
    • We aim to share our journey and solutions, ensuring businesses don’t have to navigate these challenges alone—Acumen is there to guide them.

Our approach going forward is to harness these learnings, continuing to innovate and adapt in a way that supports our clients and their employees around the world.

Q: Can you share insights or trends from the meet-up that will influence the global employment landscape?

A: The global employment landscape is on the cusp of significant transformation, with several key trends emerging from our discussions:

  • Evolution of Professional Employer Organisations (PEOs): PEOs are transitioning from providing purely operational support to playing strategic roles within businesses. The 3Sixty Insights Global Executive Advisory Council highlights this focusing on the shift from tactical work in human capital management to strategic approach. This is about a (Global) PEO/EOR that has the expertise to help businesses approach their HCM strategically. It evokes a broader concept of a PEO not only taking care of operational HR for employers and mitigating risk, but also capable of transforming their entire strategic vision, decision-making and execution on their organisational strategy wherever it intersects with the company’s people.
  • Flexible and Hybrid Workforces: The tenure of full-time employees is reducing, with the average being one to two years, whereas sought-after consultants are extending, signalling a trend towards more flexible, hybrid work models. This adaptability in the workforce is driving changes, making flexibility a critical component of modern work environments.
  • Trust as a Core Value: Trust is becoming a central element of organisational success, not just in client relationships but also internally. The 2024 Global Talent Trends study by Mercer emphasises this, noting that fostering a climate of trust through fair pay, equity, and inclusion is top of mind for leaders in 2024 and beyond. This trend indicates a broader shift towards more transparent, equitable, and inclusive workplace cultures.
  • Technological Integration and Human-Centricity: The integration of technology and AI in the workplace is advancing rapidly, with a significant impact on productivity and employee engagement. A LinkedIn poll by The HR World suggests that “8 in 10 use AI to assist their work,” highlighting the growing reliance on technology to support various work processes. However, the emphasis remains on driving human-centric productivity, ensuring that technological advancements enhance rather than replace the human element.
  • Addressing Global Workforce Well-being: The well-being and mental health of the globally distributed workforce are gaining prominence. Organisations are increasingly focusing on creating supportive environments that cater to the diverse needs of their employees, recognising the importance of mental health in achieving overall productivity and satisfaction.

These trends suggest a future where businesses must be agile, embracing new operational models and technologies while maintaining a strong focus on trust, inclusivity, and the well-being of their workforce. Here at [Acumen International], we’re poised to support businesses through these changes, offering strategic insights and solutions tailored to the evolving global employment landscape.

Q: How does Acumen plan to adapt its strategies in response to these trends?

A: As we navigate the complexities of the global employment landscape, we are focused on adapting our strategies to address both current trends and the underlying challenges of the labour market. Our approach encompasses several key dimensions:

  • Embracing Technology with a Human Focus: Recognising the integral role of technology in today’s work environments, we are committed to developing technological solutions that not only meet our client’s needs but also enhance and support human efforts. Our aim is to ensure that technology serves humanity, reinforcing the value of human input rather than diminishing it. This perspective is crucial in addressing challenges presented by economic cycles, company growth, and the changes that accompany mergers and acquisitions.
  • Addressing Labour Market Imbalances: The International Labour Organization (ILO) has highlighted the structural imbalances in the world’s labour market, a view supported by insights from the Geopolitical Futures article on “Employment Returns to Pre-Pandemic Levels.” Global employment may have bounced back to pre-pandemic figures, yet the persistence of labour market imbalances, slowing productivity growth and the increasing number of workers in extreme poverty underline the structural issues facing the global workforce. In response, Acumen is focusing on strategies that not only bridge these imbalances but also anticipate and mitigate the impacts on both workers and organisations.
  • Navigating Economic and Geopolitical Uncertainties: The current geopolitical landscape, marked by conflicts and trade tensions, contributes to the uncertainty affecting the global labour market. These factors, coupled with aggressive actions by central banks and the deceleration of global economic growth, underscore the need for resilient and adaptable employment strategies. We are poised to guide businesses through these uncertainties, offering solutions that foster stability and loyalty among workers and organisations alike.
  • Tackling Productivity and Skill Shortages: Despite the return to pre-pandemic employment levels, concerns about labour and skills shortages persist. The exit of a significant segment of youth from the labour market and the challenges of reintegration highlight the need for innovative employment solutions. We can help our clients identify and fill these skill gaps, leveraging our [global employment solutions] to address labour shortages and enhance productivity.
  • Future Proofing Against Economic Slowdowns: With the global economy expected to slow further, the resilience of the labour market is more critical than ever. Acumen’s [global employment services] are designed not only to weather these slowdowns but also to emerge stronger, with a focus on sustainable growth.

By focusing on technology integration with a human-centric approach, we aim to maintain and strengthen the loyalty and resilience of workers and organisations worldwide.

Q: Finally, how does Acumen envision its role in shaping the future of [global employment] and supporting businesses through these changes?

A: Acumen International is strategically positioned to lead and shape the future of [global employment] by addressing and anticipating the evolving needs of the [global workforce] and the businesses that rely on it. Our approach is multifaceted, focusing on several key areas:

  • Redefining Global Mobility Programs: We are committed to transforming global mobility programs from reactive to proactive strategies. This involves streamlining and simplifying immigration processes and making talent attraction, acquisition, management, and retention more efficient. The goal is to turn these programs into strategic advantages for businesses, enabling them to be more agile.
  • Emphasising Skill-Based Hiring: Echoing the sentiment from a Forbes article on “The Freelance Revolution In 2024,” we recognise the growing importance of freelancers and the shift towards a more flexible workforce. This aligns with our belief in hiring based on skills, not geography, allowing businesses to tap into a global talent pool and adapt to market needs with a blend of permanent and temporary workers.
  • Addressing Employment Shifts and Contractor Convergence: As noted in one of our latest posts about freelance revolution and hybrid workforces, the opportunities hybrid teams open up for global employers  are becoming increasingly significant. This shift, driven by evolving legal regulations and changing workforce expectations, necessitates enhanced compliance and flexibility in talent management strategies. Our EOR and Contractor Solutions are designed to provide businesses with the flexibility and growth at all stages needed to thrive in the current economic climate.
  • Leveraging Technology for Efficiency: With the development of our industry-leading technology solutions, leveraging AI and tapping into expert networks, we offer solutions that enhance efficiency and help businesses become more competitive and attractive as employers.

Our goal is to provide and hone our solutions and product portfolio, allowing businesses to access a global talent pool and offer compelling employee value propositions, making them the best companies to work for in an ever-evolving global market.

This conversation with Nick Ganzha highlights Acumen International’s proactive approach to global employment challenges and its commitment to innovation and human-centric solutions. As the world of work continues to evolve, Acumen’s strategies and insights offer valuable guidance for businesses navigating the complexities of the global workforce.

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What is an Agent of Record https://expressglobalemployment.com/blog/contractor-management-solution-agent-of-record/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:14:52 +0000 https://expressglobalemployment.com/?p=21189 A Solution To Hire Independent Contractors Globally The shifting dynamics in the global workforce challenge global employers to leverage various opportunities available with hybrid teams. Using an Agent of Record Solution (AOR), global employers can...

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A Solution To Hire Independent Contractors Globally

The shifting dynamics in the global workforce challenge global employers to leverage various opportunities available with hybrid teams. Using an Agent of Record Solution (AOR), global employers can engage global talent resources for short-term projects or as part of a strategy to explore new markets or potential permanent hires. This gives organizations the freedom to take on more projects requiring specific qualifications, providing cost savings and flexibility in global talent acquisition.

An Agent of Record, also known as Independent Contractor Solution enables companies that are hiring the global workforce to gain a strategic advantage in the freelance market while reaping the benefits of global talent pools.

At Acumen International, we are champions of the opportunities available with hybrid teams and can support you with our global employment solutions, regardless of the complexity.

How An Independent Contractor Solution Can Empower Your Business

  • Compliance Assurance: Effortlessly navigate global talent pools, select independents you want to work with and easily onboard and pay global contractors in international or local currencies.
  • Cost Efficiency: Realise savings by avoiding the costs of the direct hire and minimise financial output at the start of a project. Easily transition freelancers into full-time employees with Acumen International’s support.
  • Flexibility & Scalability: Meet market demands by hiring independent contractors globally for short-term or exceptional projects like trial runs, per diem work, or shift tasks, all without long-term commitments.
  • Expert Support: Benefit from the expertise of a dedicated Acumen’s manager who will facilitate communication and oversee project completion, ensuring your intellectual property is safe and protected, and quality standards are met.
  • Contract-to-Employee Pathway: With over two decades of experience, we specialise in transitioning contractors to full-time employment offering a smooth transition for your expanding team. Rely on us to guide you through various in-country legislative nuances and procedures related with contractor to full-time employee transfers, which our team knows and can assist with.

Independent Contractor Solution vs. Umbrella Company

Unlike traditional umbrella companies that only act as intermediaries to arrange payouts, an Independent Contractor Solution provides a full spectrum of services to enable employers to legally deploy and pay their global workers internationally without legal risks to the company and risk to the intellectual products that you develop.

From ensuring global tax compliance to offering a complete service with global HR strategy support, we go beyond contractual management to deliver a comprehensive and compliant solution tailored to your global hiring needs. We will allocate a dedicated manager to your projects to help you manage worker communication in various time zones and ensure invoice approvals and payouts are run smoothly. 

At Acumen International, we understand the shifting dynamics of the global workforce and are champions of the opportunities available with hybrid teams. Leverage our international employment solutions and talent acquisition expertise for agile, global workforce integration.

With our Contractor Management Solution, global talent acquisition is made easy, allowing your business to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape. Check out our services or request a quote.

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How We Maintain a Truly Customer-Focused EOR Business https://expressglobalemployment.com/blog/how-we-maintain-a-truly-customer-focused-eor-business/ Tue, 12 Mar 2024 19:00:21 +0000 https://expressglobalemployment.com/?p=21135 In the ever-evolving landscape of Global Employment services, the trend has sharply turned towards technology-driven solutions. However, the rise of investment-backed SaaS companies offering ‘self-serve’ global EOR models, while impressive in their technological reach, often...

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In the ever-evolving landscape of Global Employment services, the trend has sharply turned towards technology-driven solutions. However, the rise of investment-backed SaaS companies offering ‘self-serve’ global EOR models, while impressive in their technological reach, often overlooks the critical element of customer service. This disconnect poses a high risk, particularly when navigating the intricacies of legally compliant onboarding of global workers and HR issues—a realm where personalized guidance is not just valuable, but necessary.

Acumen International bucks this trend. Our journey for the last 23 years as a bootstrap business, growing organically and successfully, has been grounded in our unwavering commitment to our customers. We have matched the competition in technological capabilities, yet where we truly excel is in supporting and fronting this technology with people, both the client and the employee that we employ for the client. Our approach ensures that every interaction is not just a transaction but a partnership towards achieving global employment services success.

The Virtue of Bootstrapping
Bootstrapping in the business world represents a commitment to growth, driven by customer revenue rather than external funding. This approach emphasizes sustainable development, allowing companies like ours to remain agile and responsive to customer needs. By prioritizing our clients’ needs over fund-raising ambition, we ensure that every innovation and service enhancement is aligned with the real-world applications and burning needs of our global clientele.

In the Forbes article “A Founder’s Perspective On Bootstrapping Over Raising Venture Capital” (April 2023), Eddie Lou, co-founder of CodaPet and OneGoal, and an active angel investor, shares his journey. He emphasizes the freedom and focus bootstrapping has allowed in prioritizing customer needs. “Bootstrapping… allows entrepreneurs to maintain complete control over their business decisions without having to answer to outside investors who may have a different agenda. By keeping their equity and decision-making power intact, founders have the freedom to chart their own course and pursue their vision on their own terms.”

Prioritising Customers in the SaaS Journey
The future of HR tech and SaaS leans towards a customer-first approach. Industry experts argue the importance of keeping customers at the forefront of business strategy, suggesting that the true value of SaaS solutions lies in their ability to solve specific customer problems effectively. This philosophy not only enhances the customer experience but also fosters loyalty and long-term relationships, ensuring that businesses remain competitive and is sustainable in a rapidly evolving market.

Frank V. Cespedes and Jacco van der Kooij discuss the importance of keeping customers at the core of business strategies in the Harvard Business Review article, “The Rebirth of Software as a Service” (April 2023). They argue that a customer-led model enhances long-term growth and sustainability, “Some SaaS firms correctly refer to their service groups as Customer Success (CS) teams, because they are vital in closing a sale, onboarding customers, business reviews that track on-going product impact, and the expansion phases of the customer lifecycle.”

The Centrality of Customer Needs
Keeping customer needs at the core of business operations is essential for success. According to industry leaders, understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by clients is the cornerstone of a truly customer-led buying experience. By offering tailored solutions and support, companies can create a more personalized and effective buying journey, enhancing customer satisfaction and fostering a culture of trust and reliability.

In an article published by G2 entitled “Why Customer-Led Buying Is the Way Forward for SaaS” (October 2023) Mads Fosselius emphasizes the significance of a customer-led buying experience, allowing customers to interact with the product on their terms. “Ensuring that the customer’s needs are always kept as the core focus is the primary goal of the customer-led buying approach, and it does this by handling a balance of sales-led and product-led strategies. When successful, it allows brands to foster a sustainable model for long-term growth.”

In embracing these insights, Acumen International has solidified its position as a leader in delivering Employer of Record solutions. In year 2024, we plan to launch the HR platform and tools that will help us balance cutting-edge technology with unmatched personalized support. Our dedication to understanding and addressing the unique needs of our clients, informed by direct feedback and engagement, shape our technology roadmap and operational strategies. This ensures we not only meet but exceed the expectations set by our clients, reinforcing our commitment to their success.

As we look towards the future, we remain steadfast in our belief that technology, no matter how advanced, should enhance rather than replace the human touch. Our focus on developing our business with our customer’s priorities at the forefront, not those of our investors, distinguishes us in the market and underpins our success in maintaining a truly customer-focused global EOR business.

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Global Employment Tax and Compliance Newsletter. February 2024 https://expressglobalemployment.com/blog/global-employment-tax-and-compliance-newsletter-february-2024/ Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:36:24 +0000 https://expressglobalemployment.com/?p=21062 The Global Talent HorizonUnlocking the potential of a world without work borders Welcome to February’s edition of our newsletter, where we focus on the transformative power of hybrid workforces — a blend of permanent and...

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The Global Talent Horizon
Unlocking the potential of a world without work borders

Welcome to February’s edition of our newsletter, where we focus on the transformative power of hybrid workforces — a blend of permanent and temporary talent across the globe — to drive unparalleled business resilience and agility in today’s ever-evolving marketplace.

This month, we shine the spotlight on our groundbreaking Contractor Solution, which is set to redefine global freelance talent management. Join us as we journey to Cyprus with our Senior Leadership team, to celebrate past achievements and envision a boundless future.

Explore the strategic benefits of a hybrid workforce and unveil flexibility as your ultimate global market asset.

The Future is Freelance: Embracing the 2024 Workforce Revolution

The freelance revolution is reshaping the 2024 workforce, offering businesses unprecedented growth and flexibility. As highlighted by @Forbes, this shift towards a freelance-dominated economy is not just imminent; it’s strategic.

Forbes Insights at a Glance:

  • Economic Growth: With a forecasted 2.6% GDP growth in 2024 by Goldman Sachs, the freelance market is vibrant and expanding.
  • Surge in Freelancing: Post-COVID, there’s been a 130% increase in freelancers: evidence of  a growing workforce ready to innovate.
  • Industry Optimism: Leaders of freelance platforms anticipate substantial growth, especially in tech, marketing, and consulting.
  • Expert Networks: These networks are becoming a billion-dollar industry, offering short-term, high-value engagements.

This data underscores the strategic advantage for businesses to tap into the global freelance talent pool, which promises flexibility and access to the best expertise.

Explore how the freelance revolution is powering the future of work in Forbes’ article Read More.

Hybrid is Here: The Benefits of a Full-Time and Freelance HR Strategy

The future of work is flexible, adaptive, and inclusive of diverse working styles. By integrating freelancers alongside full-time staff, businesses can unlock a host of benefits, enhancing their competitiveness and agility in the global market. Here’s why a hybrid workforce strategy is your key to a thriving, dynamic business environment:

  • Increased Flexibility: Quickly scale your workforce up or down based on current business needs without the overheads associated with full-time hires.
  • Diverse Skill Sets: Access a broad range of skills and expertise on-demand, allowing for innovation and creativity in tackling projects and challenges.
  • Cost Efficiency: Save on long-term labour costs by hiring freelancers for project-specific work, and optimising budget allocation for growth initiatives.
  • Market Responsiveness: Respond swiftly to market trends and demands by leveraging the agility of freelancers to pivot strategies and operations as needed.

Talent Trial and Integration: Assess freelancers in real-world projects before committing to full-time roles, ensuring a good fit with company culture and work ethic.

  • Global Talent Pool Access: Break geographical barriers by engaging with top talent from around the world, enriching your team with global perspectives and expertise.

Embracing a hybrid workforce model means being at the forefront of workforce innovation, ready to leverage the collective strengths of both full-time employees and freelancers.

Are you ready to transform your workforce and embrace the future of work to explore how our strategic approaches can empower your global team?

Announcement: Introducing Our Contractor Solution

Our Contractor Solution acts as your single global partner, ensuring seamless freelance engagement across 190 markets. This service not only ensures compliance and risk mitigation but also offers a pathway from contract roles to full-time positions, embodying the essence of a truly hybrid workforce strategy.

Top 5 Benefits:

  • Compliance Assurance: Navigate international labour laws with ease.
  • Cost Efficiency: Save on the expenses of establishing foreign entities.
  • Flexibility & Scalability: Adapt to market demands with global freelance talent.
  • Expert Support: Benefit from dedicated Acumen management for project success.
  • Contract-to-Employee Pathway: Smooth transition for growing teams.

Learn how our Contractor Solution can transform your business.

The Top 5 Countries to Find Freelancers and Digital Nomads

In the evolving landscape of the global talent economy, the significance of location has never been more pronounced. A growing number of countries are offering incentives to freelancers and digital nomads that cater to their unique working lifestyles. 

These incentives not only simplify the process of working remotely but also enrich the professional and personal lives of modern workers. Below, we explore the top five freelancer-friendly countries that are leading the charge in welcoming global talen

  1. Spain & Portugal: Known for their vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes, both Spain and Portugal offer a special visa for digital nomads, alongside tax benefits for non-residents, making them an attractive destination for freelancers seeking a blend of work and leisure.
  2. Estonia: A pioneer in digital governance, Estonia’s e-Residency programme allows global entrepreneurs to easily start and manage an EU-based company online, making it a haven for digital nomads looking to expand their business footprint.
  3. Georgia: The Remotely from Georgia programme invites freelancers and remote workers from 95 countries to stay and work in Georgia for up to one year, offering a blend of rich culture and a supportive environment for digital nomads.
  4. Romania: Boasting significant tax incentives for IT contractors through its IT park scheme, Romania offers a cost-efficient haven for tech talent, alongside benefits for reinvestment and R&D activities, making it an emerging hub for digital nomads and remote workers in the tech industry.
  5. Mexico: Offering a Temporary Resident Visa specifically for remote workers and digital nomads, Mexico is appealing with its low cost of living, beautiful locale, and the opportunity to stay for up to four years with the possibility of renewal.

These countries are gateways to new ways of living and working. By offering tailored incentives like special visas, tax benefits, and supportive digital infrastructures, they are becoming hotspots for freelancers and digital nomads ready to explore the world without pausing their careers.

Eager to tap into the global talent pool and expand your team’s horizons?

Contact us today to discover how we can help you navigate the global talent economy and find the perfect blend of talent for your projects.

How To Convert Independent Contractors into Employees

Today’s evolving work environment demands strategic workforce transformations. In our latest article How To Convert Independent Contractors into Employees, we’ve delved into the shift from contractor roles to permanent employment, emphasising compliance, adaptation, and meeting modern workforce expectations.

This transition is critical for maintaining legal compliance and operational efficiency amidst increasing regulatory complexity and global workforce mobility.

Key Insights:

  • Regulatory Complexity: Navigating a labyrinth of global compliance requirements challenges businesses to maintain robust governance frameworks.
  • Workforce Mobility: The rise in remote and international work arrangements presents unique compliance and operational hurdles.
  • Strategic Adaptation: Organisations must regularly update their governance strategies to align with business goals and mitigate risks.

Embracing this shift not only ensures compliance but also positions businesses for sustainable growth and enhanced talent management.

Discover comprehensive strategies for a seamless transition in an interview by Natali Oprya, Acumen’s VP of Marketing Strategy.

In a landmark gathering, Acumen International’s team met in Nicosia, Cyprus, for the Global Meet-up, marking a pivotal moment of reflection and forward planning. This gathering, a first since our transition to a fully remote model due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, was as much of a reunion as well as a strategic session held by the company’s CEO, Nick Ganzha and the celebration of our resilience and innovation. 

This meet-up highlighted our journey through the complexities of international labour regulations, driving us to develop and launch a Contractor Management Solution alongside our Employer of Record (EOR) services. 

Born from our direct experiences and the evolving needs of our clients, this solution underscores our commitment to compliant, efficient workforce management across borders. Nick’s announcement of the strategy in our Cyprus gathering not only solidified our resolve but also set a clear direction for Acumen’s future, with a focus on expanding our service offerings to meet the demands of a dynamic global employment landscape.

What’s New in Global HR Legislation

Stay informed with the latest in global HR legislation to keep your business compliant and forward-thinking.

Germany Eases Citizenship for Global Talent

  • Summary: Germany reduces citizenship residency requirements from eight to five years, three for highly integrated non-EU citizens, to attract skilled workers.
  • Employer Impact: Opens up a new talent pool, especially in sectors with labour shortages.
  • Employer Actions: Support foreign workers’ citizenship efforts through integration courses and stay updated on the law.

Dive into the full FT article for more on Germany’s law and its impact on talent strategy.

EU Gig Economy Directive Affects UK Firms

  • Summary: The EU’s new directive mandates full employment status under certain criteria, changing gig economy operations.
  • Employer Impact: Requires reevaluation of workforce classification and management.
  • Employer Actions: Assess business models against EU rules, ensure algorithmic decision-making transparency, and monitor UK legislative developments.

Explore the EU Platform Work Directive’s implications for UK legislation.

U.S. Department of Labor Advances Equity

  • Summary: The updated Equity Action Plan from the U.S. Department of Labor aims to improve job equity and accessibility.
  • Employer Impact: Encourages equitable job opportunities for all workers.
  • Employer Actions: Review hiring practices for inclusivity, partner with diversity-supporting organisations, and utilise federal equity programs.

Learn more about how the Equity Action Plan affects your business practices.

Summary & Close

As we navigate the complexities of the global employment landscape, flexibility remains our guiding principle. Our journey to Cyprus reaffirmed our commitment to breaking barriers and embracing a future where hybrid workforces are not just a possibility but a necessity for growth and innovation.

Thank you for joining us this month. We look forward to continuing this journey together, shaping a resilient and agile global workforce.

Stay updated with the latest news and updates from Acumen International.

Sign up for the Global Employment Tax & Compliance Newsletter to stay updated on hot labour and tax law changes with the latest in global employment, tax, and compliance across 190 countries.

Stay informed, stay ahead.

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Cyprus event close-up: next step in our growth and new board announcement  https://expressglobalemployment.com/news/cyprus%d1%83-event-close-up-next-step-in-our-growth-and-new-board-announcement/ Mon, 26 Feb 2024 17:42:16 +0000 https://expressglobalemployment.com/?p=21030 As the curtains closed on this weekend’s Global Meet-up in Cyprus and the team is back home now, we’re filled with inspiration and gratitude from an incredibly valuable and enlightening trip and a strategic session...

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As the curtains closed on this weekend’s Global Meet-up in Cyprus and the team is back home now, we’re filled with inspiration and gratitude from an incredibly valuable and enlightening trip and a strategic session from our CEO Nick Ganzha✨
 
Nick shared Acumen’s evolution from its 2001 inception, moving from staffing to a global EOR solution by 2011. From operating in 15 countries in 2015, 33 countries in 2016 and to 190 by now, we’ve achieved global reach, fulfilling our dream of being a global company aiding businesses expand internationally.
 
Looking ahead, we unveiled a refreshed strategy and technology offering, which will better serve our clients alongside our core EOR service. In addition, the announcement of an expanded company board marks a fresh strategic direction. Abid Hamid, Natali Oprya, Maria Savva, Chris Fogarty, Sergiy Gerenko, Oleg Pichkur
 
🌟 Stay tuned for more news on our new-look board as we embark on this exciting phase of growth and innovation.

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Acumen International’s Cyprus Meet-Up: The Unity of a Global Talent https://expressglobalemployment.com/news/global-team-meet-up-in-cyprus/ Thu, 08 Feb 2024 19:09:07 +0000 https://expressglobalemployment.com/?p=20700 Last few years saw an unprecedented change at Acumen. These were monumental years for the entire team!  After the pandemic, all our team was used to working remotely and we enjoyed it and reaped the...

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Last few years saw an unprecedented change at Acumen. These were monumental years for the entire team! 

After the pandemic, all our team was used to working remotely and we enjoyed it and reaped the benefits.

However, a challenge of a completely different nature turned up. As a result of the Russian invasion in Ukraine in February 2022, our entire Kyiv office had to relocate to different locations in the country and internationally. For the last few years, we were able to relocate part of the Ukrainian team to Cyprus, and we have extended our local team.

Additionally, we onboarded global talent in many new jurisdictions including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain just to name a few. 

While the prospect of massive upheaval could have been daunting, it gave us the chance to gain a true customer perspective of our services, the flexibility, and scrutinise our product offering from a client standpoint.

We managed the challenge – and achieved 98% employee retention, underlining our team’s confidence in the company which was supportive of the whole team no matter the circumstances.

Next week, all of Acumen International’s team will meet at our client service hub in Cyprus, in our office in Nicosia, some for the first time since we embraced the challenge of working fully remotely, with a 100% international team. 

Our client service hub is run by a blend of our local Cypriot team and colleagues dispersed from Ukraine with Maria Savva overseeing all projects we manage for the clients.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll reflect on the transformational years 2022 and 2023, and look forward to the future growth. We’ll also be sharing some of the key learnings from our own experience to help other companies maximise the benefits of deploying a global workforce.

The post Acumen International’s Cyprus Meet-Up: The Unity of a Global Talent appeared first on Express Global Employment.

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