Working in multicultural environments

The United Nations has declared the 21st of May the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development to celebrate the richness of the world’s cultures and the essential role of intercultural dialogue. The world as we know it is shrinking and is providing multiple opportunities to new markets and the attraction of talent across cultures thanks to innovation and technological advances, the internet, communication platforms, software,?remote working?and travel.

"A lot of different flowers make a bouquet." - Islamic Proverb

The benefits of working in multicultural environments has many benefits and assists in overcoming hurdles and adversity. The value of working in diverse teams include – but are not limited to – the following:

?Creativity and innovation boost

Culture has great impact on the way one sees and embraces the world. The diversity of viewpoints and experiences brought to the collective by each team member can stimulate individuals and support the extension of perspectives. ?As a result, this can boost the creativity and lead to out-of-the-box thinking.

Better productivity and performance

Working in a diverse environment may be more challenging than in homogenous one, thus a company’s processes must be well optimised, which in turn can lead to better efficiency in performing tasks. Also, the blend of numerous and varied experiences, mindsets, and working methods offered within a diverse organization can be drivers for better productivity and problem-solving.

Improved Business Development

A multicultural workforce has the potential to enrich an organisation’s portfolio of products and services, since every individual brings with them their own skills and work experiences which may not be locally or readily available. This competitive advantage provides companies with the opportunity to adapt to changes in the business environment in a smart, fast, and easier manner. Moreover, cross-cultural understanding together with local market knowledge can be key to great successes, especially in the field of marketing. ‘Normal’ is never intended to be the ‘norm’.

Greater employee growth opportunity

Working in a culturally diverse team is attractive for the talented and open-minded professionals. Employees tend to seek opportunities to work with colleagues from different cultures, as they are aware that it will be a driver to professional and personal growth. They will be able to learn and experience new perspectives and traditions, while at the same time cultivate new skills and discover other work approaches and techniques.

The fast-paced, unpredictable, international workplace requires human capital to be open and exposed to cultural diversity. Businesses understand that their multicultural human capital leverages and drives product and service definition. Simultaneously a diverse talent pool allows organisations to attract and retain best talent where the diverse skills base differentiates the organisation from others. Notwithstanding the benefits noted above, certain challenges and cultural stereotypes can be handled by management in ways that their action aims to diffuse negativity. Business owners take considerations and accommodations for logistical challenges for acquiring and retaining a culturally diverse workforce.?

Diversity is part of our culture at?TECHLINK.?We invite professionals from across the world to take the opportunity and join our great team of specialists at our offices in the beautiful island of Cyprus or remotely. Follow our?job listings?page to find the position that suits you most.