Member News
The firm says its new policy allows people to see relatives or fulfill other commitments overseas
A technology company in Newcastle is allowing staff to work abroad for up to two months a year in a bid to help staff with families and commitments in other countries.
Sales and marketing specialist durhamlane has introduced the International Working Benefit after realising that many of its younger employees had a desire to travel alongside working, especially those who have families overseas. Durhamlane’s staff of nearly 100 work with clients around the world and between them speak 12 different languages.
The company hopes the new policy will allow people to visit family abroad and celebrate religious holidays, while also being able to meet clients. A trial of the scheme has been welcomed by staff, with employees saying it provided benefits around their social lives and happiness outside work.
Sinead Hall, chief people officer at durhamlane, who developed the policy, said: “When we considered the diversity of our workforce (which is made up of at least 18% ethnic groups), and the fact that we sponsor migrant workers via the skilled worker route, we started to think about where some of our employees call home. This led us to looking at the ability to work internationally.
“Together with the fact that a lot of our clients have head offices all over the globe, this brought us to the conclusion that it was important to give our employees more freedom to choose their location of work, whether remotely in the UK or abroad. We believe the International Working Benefit does this, meeting our objectives of attracting and growing our people, not only through nurturing and empowering existing employees, but also making the company an attractive prospect to join.”
The policy has so far benefitted four members of staff, who have travelled to countries including Spain, France and Pakistan.
Head of operations Josh Guthrie said: “This benefit allows me great flexibility in being able to visit my parents, who emigrated to Spain at the end of 2023. I can work completely seamlessly when abroad and keep in regular contact with my line manager and my team. My parents used to live locally, so their move took a bit of getting used to, but the International Working Benefit allows me to spend time with them more than I expected possible.”
Sales development representative, Waqas Rajput, added: “I visit my family during the month of Ramadan, and as a practicing Muslim, it is invaluable for me that I can break my fast with my family and celebrate Eid. This policy allows me to make the most of my travel. Whilst using the benefit, I was able to work as normal and exceeded my standards of working.”
