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🌎 THE LATAM RECRUITER - October 2023 Issue

The debate around hybrid vs. remote work has never been more pertinent. Latin America offers a fresh perspective as businesses globally contemplate the right model. This newsletter delves into the current state of remote work in the region and the implications for businesses.

From U.S. to Latin America: A Comparison

A recent study indicates that 85% of U.S. office workers have returned to their workplaces at least once a week, reflecting a shift towards hybrid work models (WorkLife). However, with a 42% increase in staff exits due to rigid Return-To-Office (RTO) directives, there's a clear challenge in balancing employee preferences and business needs.

In contrast, Latin America is charting its path. A significant 88% of businesses in the region find remote work highly efficient (Bloomberg). In a survey conducted by Owl Labs, 82% of Latin American professionals indicated high satisfaction with their remote work arrangements.

Considering these statistics, it's clear that exploring remote work in Latin America's talent pool isn't merely an option; it's a must for businesses seeking to attract talent in the region.

Weighing the Hybrid and Remote Models

The hybrid work model boasts the advantage of face-to-face interactions, which can speed up decision-making and prompt spontaneous brainstorming.

However, this doesn't imply that remote work is any less collaborative. In fact, 55% of remote workers still claim to have "close friendships" at work (The Washington Post), a testament to the thriving collaboration possible virtually.

With the digital age in full swing, the key lies in effective communication to maintain team cohesion and mitigate feelings of isolation.

Productivity Insights

Buffer's study reveals that remote workers in Latin America consistently outperform their office-based counterparts regarding productivity. The strong work ethic and effective time management skills of Latin American developers significantly contribute to the overall success of remote teams.

In Latin America, 38% of senior executives surveyed have over 81% of their employees working remotely. About 70% of respondents reported minimal productivity impact (Kingsley Gate).

While many advocate a return to the office to " boost productivity," research tells a different story. According to FastCompany, RTO, and hybrid models only led to a modest 4% increase in productivity.

Talent Acquisition and Retention

The flexibility of hybrid and remote models tends to boost job satisfaction. However, the appeal of remote work persists. Indeed, 55% of remote professionals would accept a lower salary to continue working from home (The Washington Post). LinkedIn's data reveals:

• Recruiting took a hit for almost one-third of firms with RTO policies.

• Nearly half of prospective hires would reject offers that don't offer flexibility.

Effective Leadership in Latin America

In the remote work versus hybrid work debate, statistics show a preference for remote work among professionals, offering flexibility without compromising productivity or collaboration. However, succeeding in this environment requires leaders to master remote leadership skills.

To tap into the potential of remote talent in Latin America, prioritize clear and empathetic leadership, which fosters trust, open communication, and a sense of belonging. Equip your teams with the right tools, embrace innovation, and remain adaptable to the evolving remote work landscape.

Explore our blog post on gentle leadership for a deeper dive into this topic👇 .

Final Thoughts

As businesses strategize, they must prioritize flexibility and communication. It's about where and how people work; modern talent values flexibility. Navigating this dynamic environment requires careful planning to reap the rewards of this evolving work paradigm.

At TECLA, we can assist you through the intricacies of the Latin American talent market, helping you find the ideal balance in this shifting work paradigm.

If you find international hiring in Latin America daunting, let's connect! Feel free to contact me via email or connect with me on LinkedIn! We have the expertise and roadmap to guide you to success.

Stay in contact!

I hope you enjoyed this edition of the LatAm Recruiter! If you'd like to discuss hiring in LatAm, or get advice about the LatAm market, reach out via LinkedIn or email me at [email protected]. I'd be happy to help!

- Gino Ferrand, CEO and Founder at TECLA.