Recruitment | From Teleworking to “Telemigration”

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred the expansion of telecommuting in many companies in France and throughout the world. This change in the professional world has created new perspectives, including that of “telemigration”. This phenomenon, which is increasingly being discussed in the media and by analysts, could rapidly gain ground. It will have important consequences for the economy and the international job market.

So what is telemigration and who are the participants ? Find the answers in our article.

What is “telemigration” ?

Telemigration” is defined as the integration of skilled workers into the international labor market. The term first appeared in a 2019 essay by Richard Baldwin, titled “The Globotics Upheaval: Globalisation, Robotics and the Future of Work”. He defines offshoring as people residing in one country, and working in the offices of another country.

Before, offshoring was only about low value-added activities. But the massive increase in telecommuting, triggered by the pandemic, has demonstrated that it is possible to perform more strategic tasks remotely. Telemigrants are able to meet complex demands, making them important competitors for skilled local professionals.

Why is telemigration getting more popular today ?

Telemigration was already much more prevalent before the arrival of the pandemic. However, as telecommuting has become more common, companies are no more hesitant to take the step. What are the real advantages?

Firstly, telemigration allows access to qualified profiles that companies need, but are in shortage in their country. It opens the way to many efficient and reliable telemigrants with the knowledge and diplomas necessary for a strategic function.

This revolution also allows companies to make considerable savings. They are currently facing increases in the price of raw materials and taxes that they will seek to reduce their costs at all costs. Transferring certain jobs abroad allows them to reduce or even eliminate certain expenses, such as premises, materials, canteen, etc. Labor in a foreign country also costs ten to twenty times less than in France.

How does an employer proceed with telemigration ?

An entrepreneur who is interested in using telemigration must take certain steps :

• The first step is to conduct a thorough analysis of the company’s needs and objectives. What is the reason for telemigration? What jobs are being relocated? Which countries are concerned? What is the cost?
• Once the plan is well established, it is recommended to call upon a company that specializes in the field. Indeed, recruiting in a foreign country requires experience. It is necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the legislation and the applied taxation.
• Then, it is equally important to present this telemigration project to the local team. This way, they will feel more involved and will better adhere to the project, making it easier to integrate into the company.

Finally, the employer must be prepared to face all the difficulties related to telemigration, such as time differences, cultural and legal differences, the departure of an employee…
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