Here at EIT Global Outreach we have the privilege to work with team members literally from across the globe on a daily basis, and we are here to share with you the main challenges that we have identified, and the basic do’s and don’ts to turn global teams into a strategic advantage and propel you to international success:

1 – Hey Boss:
One of the first stages of working in a global team is to assess the level of formality vs informality that is expected, based upon the emphasis put on hierarchy and respecting authority in the team member’s home country. Some cultures such as those in East Asia and parts of Europe value formal relationships in the work place and professional boundaries, where others such as the US, Australia and parts of Latin America embrace informality and personal relationships with colleagues.
Don’t: Push boundaries or assume informality to begin with.
Do: Start with a more formal approach and assess the situation from there. A first email should be more formal; and if you received the first email, our suggestion would be to respond in the same tone that was sent to you. That means beginning an email with Dear, rather than Hi or Hey, and maybe hold off on sharing your stories of how you spent the weekend until you’ve gathered the expected boundaries.

2 – You say tomato, I say tomahto:
Effective communication is at the heart of any successful team, but language barriers and varying communication styles can hinder the flow of information in global teams. Miscommunication can lead to errors and misunderstandings, and requires careful navigation to maintain productivity.
Don’t: Necessarily use humor with your co-workers until communication is clear and you can grasp what they might find funny and what might be offensive.
Do: Invest in communication tools and foster an environment where team members feel comfortable asking for clarification if something is unclear. If meetings involve participants who speak different languages, be mindful of language considerations. Clearly communicate the primary language for the meeting and ensure that interpretation services are available if needed. Encourage participants to speak slowly and clearly, allowing for better understanding in a multicultural setting.

3 –  It’s 5 O’clock somewhere…:
With team members scattered across different time zones, scheduling meetings and maintaining a balanced schedule can be complex and it requires careful planning to ensure everyone’s needs are met.
Don’t: Schedule mandatory meetings outside colleague’s working hours unless properly communicated and agreed upon in advance.
Do: Be flexible with scheduling and expectations, recognizing that not all team members will be able to commit to the same work hours.

4 – I hope this email finds you well this weekend:
Work-life balance in global teams can vary significantly due to differences in cultural norms, time zones, and workplace expectations. In Singapore, Russia and the UAE for example, a strong work ethic, working overtime and being available outside of office hours is valued and seen as a sign of dedication and commitment; whereas in the Netherlands, Sweden and France for example, it’s common for employees to leave work on time, to take extended vacations and work emails are often discouraged outside of working hours.
Don’t: Expect your global team members to have the same work ethic as yourself, whether it be on either end of the work-life balance scale.
Do: Be respectful of individual preferences, and consider the impact of company policies on remote work and well-being initiatives and your team’s mental health. Encourage open communication from the get-go, and team members should share their expectations, cultural norms and experiences.

5 – In my team I trust:
Building trust among team members who have never met in person can be a lengthy process. It’s challenging to establish the same level of trust and camaraderie as you would in a physical office setting.
Don’t: Expect team members to be able to open up online in the same way and at the same speed that they would in person.
Do: Invest in social screen time, celebrate holidays together in joint video chats, arrange cross-globe Secret Santas, and understand that going the extra mile to create online social connections will benefit work productivity in the long run.