When I was part of managing a global program, our project plan had a large red block in August for the Europe deployment, because employees in Europe did not work that month. To mark off an entire month was unheard of in other parts of the world, yet expected there.
Other examples of changing business models as a company goes global are the differences in regional HR Policies, such as:
· Mexico: Minimum wage is 59 cents/hour.
· Belgium: Workers can take a one year break and receive a government allowance.
· UK: 28 days paid vacation (2nd highest) with France in first at 30 days.
· Netherlands: 29 hour work week (shortest).
· Russia: women get 3 years maternity leave, and they receive the same job back when they return.
· China: 51% of senior management positions held by women.
Is your HR nimble enough to adjust to local standards?
