Building a Future-Focused Workplace: HR Innovations in a Remote World with COO Melissa Cooper

This week’s exciting episode of the Leading Real Change podcast includes insights from Melissa Cooper on her career journey and the evolving landscape of global employment led by Globalization Partners. Here are 10 key takeaways:

1️⃣ Passion for Account Management: Melissa discovered her love for account management and international business, finding her place in the work world.

2️⃣ Pioneering the Employer of Record Industry: Melissa joined GP, led by Nicole Sahin, who founded the employer of record industry in 2012, enabling global hiring without setting up individual entities.

3️⃣ Balancing Motherhood and Career: Melissa emphasizes the positive impact of supportive management during maternity leaves, leading to elevated roles upon return.

4️⃣ The Power of Working Mothers: Melissa applauds the hard work and time management skills of working mothers, highlighting their contributions to the workforce.

5️⃣ Results-Oriented Approach: GP values outcomes over hours worked, encouraging productivity and discouraging the outdated nine-to-five mindset.

6️⃣ Triple Bottom Line Philosophy: GP's values are rooted in treating employees well, resulting in excellent customer service and positive shareholder impact.

7️⃣ Remote Work Strategies: GP adopts a remote-first approach with collaboration hubs, emphasizing meaningful breaks, and implementing flexible time-off policies.

8️⃣ Employee Choice and Well-being: GP focuses on employee well-being with golden hours, minimal meeting Mondays, and conscious connections, promoting work-life balance.

9️⃣ Circles of Care: GP introduces supportive circles of care, providing a safe space for employees to discuss challenges, ensuring a sense of community and support.

🔟 Progressive Parental Leave: GP offers a minimum of 16 weeks of maternity leave globally, complemented by 10 weeks of parental leave, showcasing a commitment to supporting new parents.

Melissa expresses excitement about the future, foreseeing opportunities to influence best practices in global employment, and emphasizes the importance of progress over perfection in the constant juggling act of being a working mom.