The global credit crunch and resulting
economic recession are just the latest of a
series of challenges faced by business owners and employees. The demands on
business owners and employees have grown
exponentially in the last decade. Recession describes
the reduction of a country's gross domestic
product for at least two quarters. This article
highlights about the work-life balance during the period
of reduced economic activity. More people are moving beyond the traditional "all or
nothing" choice about whether or not to work when
they experience a major work-life transition as a
result of the economic crisis. Out of necessity,
more retirees are `working' in retirement; more
mothers are seeking alternatives to opting out;
and eldercare providers are trying creative ways
to work and share responsibilities. Therefore, the global recession plays a vital role in
work-life balance.
Today, workspace spans across the globe and the new mantra of firms is to create a
global workforceas for many organizations work involves traveling across the globe, and
interacting with diverse cultures. So understanding
and appreciating cultural differences,
communication, personal care, social etiquette, business ethics
at various places is important. Now recession has caught the global economy by its throat. So
strong is the grip that the employees have to utilize
these opportunities in an effective manner and face
the challenges which can bring about a bloom to
both employees and employers.
Today, as organizations diversify their
businesses into global markets, cross-cultural training
and orientation for employees has become an
integral part of the HR agenda. With the growing knowledge of different cultures, the advent
of global economy has changed the way we work. One of the crucial changes that happened
because of this is the need for effective
communication across various cultures and boundaries.
"Cross-cultural competency is valued highly in
today's business environment where an associate has
to deal with multicultural customers and
colleagues. In such an environment, the associate needs
to correctly identify, and react to people,
incidences or situations arising out of cultural differences."
A diverse mix of employees has become a business imperative for companies as it helps to create
a workforce that reflects the market place and
helps them understand their customers better. |