“The Forefront of Remote Work,” a newly published book written by GoGlobal Director of Payroll Sachi Watanabe and Director of Sales Kohei Okimuro, tackles the difficulties companies encounter when expanding overseas.
Issues like navigating unfamiliar legal, labor and tax procedures can make this process daunting. In the book, Sachi and Kohei share their insights on how to overcome these challenges, namely by establishing overseas bases and creating fully remote teams using Employer of Record (EOR) hiring.
“The Forefront of Remote Work” demonstrates how to successfully utilize remote work to expand a business overseas, drawing from firsthand experiences and practical, real-world examples at GoGlobal, NRI America, Melody International and Paidy (now part of Paypal).
To accompany the release of the book and learn more, we sat down with Sachi and Kohei.
What is the meaning behind the title of the book?
Kohei: The title of our book, “The Forefront of Remote Work,” reflects the main theme, which is exploring the innovative ways businesses can expand globally through remote work.
The “forefront” aspect of the title conveys the book’s practical, hands-on advice and insights from experienced professionals who have successfully navigated the challenges of remote work and global expansion. By focusing on the forefront of this rapidly-evolving field, we wanted to provide valuable guidance and inspiration for companies looking to thrive in the digital age.
Sachi: EOR providers handle all the legal, administrative and compliance aspects of hiring and managing employees in different countries, making it easier for companies to expand their operations globally and hire a fully remote workforce.
With the rise of remote work and the increasing demand for global talent, EOR services are undoubtedly at the forefront. The experts in our industry have become essential resources for companies that want to expand their business overseas while minimizing the risks and costs associated with traditional international expansion.
Who is the intended audience for this book, and what do you hope they will gain from reading it?
Sachi: This book is primarily aimed at anyone who is interested in the intersection of global expansion and remote work. This can include HR professionals, business owners as well as anyone involved in cross-border hiring processes.
What research did you do to gather information for this book and how did you decide which topics to cover?
Sachi: When we set out to write this book, we wanted to make sure we were providing accurate, up-to-date information on remote work and EOR hiring.
We interviewed numerous experts in the field of remote work and EOR, as well as representatives from GoGlobal, NRI America, Melody International and Paidy. These companies were selected as examples to showcase different approaches to remote work and expanding overseas.
Kohei: We also conducted market research and analyzed industry trends to determine which topics would be most relevant and informative for our audience.
Overall, our goal was to provide practical and actionable insights to help companies successfully expand their business overseas through remote work.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while writing this book? How did you overcome them?
Kohei: One of the main challenges we faced while writing this book was distilling complex information into clear, concise language that would remain accessible to a broad audience. We wanted to provide detailed information on the various aspects of EOR hiring and remote work, but we also recognized the importance of making the book easy to read and understand.
To overcome this challenge, we worked hard to simplify our language and break down technical concepts into easy-to-digest pieces. We infused real-world examples throughout the book to illustrate key concepts and provide practical, actionable advice.
Sachi: Another challenge we faced was keeping the book up-to-date with the latest legal and regulatory developments. Employment laws and regulations, particularly as they relate to remote work, are constantly evolving so we were careful to provide accurate information readers can rely on.
To address this challenge, we conducted ongoing research and regularly reviewed and updated the book to reflect any changes in the legal or regulatory landscape. We were also grateful to have received feedback from colleagues and industry experts, which helped ensure the information we were providing was current and relevant.
Based on the findings you gathered in writing this book, what advice would you offer to companies looking to bolster their global expansion through remote work and EOR hiring?
Kohei: One of the key pieces of advice we would offer is to approach the process strategically. Before embarking on a global expansion effort, take the time to carefully research and assess the potential benefits and risks of remote work and EOR hiring. This includes understanding the legal and regulatory frameworks in your target countries, as well as the cultural and logistical challenges that may arise.
It’s also especially important to establish clear communication channels and processes for managing remote teams. This entails investing in the right technology and infrastructure to support remote collaboration.
Sachi: Finally, don’t be afraid to learn from others who have successfully navigated this process. The four companies we profile in our book provide some excellent examples of how remote work and EOR hiring can be leveraged to support global expansion.
By approaching global expansion with a clear plan and a willingness to learn and adapt, companies can position themselves for success in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.
We invite you to check out “The Forefront of Remote Work” (currently available in Japanese) or contact us to learn more about boosting your global expansion and remote work strategy with EOR hiring.