What can Global Virtual Teams Offer Organizations

The stresses of leading in the era of accelerating globalization were steadfast even prior to COVID-19. The trajectory of remote work as a norm for conducting business kickstarted in 2020, and has continued to rise. Which means that organizations will need to find creative ways to continue to adapt quickly to meet the demands of their business and employees.

Enter Global Virtual Teams (GVTs). GVTs have been known to help manage and coordinate a global market, which is very diverse in nature. While that’s still the case, these teams offer far more to the workplace as we know it , including best practices for technological use, operational cost savings, human capital, and organizational flexibility and adaptability.

Technology

GVTs rely on technology for all communication, knowledge sharing and project management purposes. Their familiarity with advanced information technology can provide useful insights and support while working virtually. With face-to-face not an option for most, team building and conflict mitigation is not minimized or eliminated, but conducted virtually. Additionally, different learning styles and learning needs must be addressed and the effect that will have on which tools are utilized for meetings, project plans, deliverables, and so on. While email is generally the most used form of technology, studies have shown it’s not the preferred. Surveying employees of their preferences while at the same time avoiding tech fatigue can be challenging, but it provides an opportunity for everyone’s voice to be acknowledged and for more lateral decision-making--a hallmark of teaming.

Cost Savings

The economic potential of GVTs includes a cost savings for organizations. These teams have the potential to provide companies with more practical and economical services. According to Gallup’s State of the American Workplace report, employees allowed to work remotely are more engaged as well (2016). This suggests physical distance may not be a barrier to employee engagement. Organizations need to be wary of burnout, however. Not leaving one’s home saves time and money, but there is an obligation to promote work-life balance and boundaries. Organizations and leaders must be well equipped to create structures and processes that promote a sense of community, which will include growing awareness of the new challenges faced, and how best to support their productivity and well-being.

Human Capital

Global Virtual Teams provide a vast talent of resource capital with the ability to recruit from around the world and pay local wages. Human capital is an asset in terms of problem solving and gathering expertise. Organizations who employ GVTs have the ability to bring desired talent regardless of geography. They cast a wide net for obtaining needed skills and expertise and enable around-the-clock work depending on the dispersion of time zones teams cover.

Flexibility and Adaptability

These teams exist in adaptable and unpredictable environments capable of facilitating innovative solutions. The most successful organizations are more flexible, more efficient, and more adaptable. GVTs thrive in configurable infrastructure. These teams can quickly adapt to technology to meet their needs and work autonomously. With appropriate flexibility, they can adapt structures to enhance their interactions. With various organizations adjusting to virtual work utilizing technology, increase productivity and decrease cost savings, recruit talent from a global marketplace, and ensure flexible and adaptable work practice, GVTs offer the wisdom and insights on how to navigate turbulent, complex and dynamic work environments. And there will be even more turbulence, complexity, and dynamisms to navigate going into 2026.

To learn more about GVTs and enhancing virtual team performance, contact Lejla Bilal, PhD at lejla.bilal@gmail.com