Managing a Remote Workforce: Why You Need Portuguese on Your Team

Remote working keeps evolving, mainly because of technological advances and the mindset companies are adopting. So, when the world is your talent pool, a question arises: Where should you hire top workers? 

Sure, you can do it anywhere, but we want you to think about the Portuguese workforce for a moment – not just because of technical expertise, but also the way of living and thinking. Not only are they great, but their country’s the perfect tech destination for American companies.

Portuguese professionals quickly adapt to remote working methods, making it easier to manage any remote workforce. From their politeness and passion to their distinctiveness and tech-savyness, here's why you should keep an eye on Portuguese workers.

Why Portuguese Make it Easier to Manage a Remote Workforce

In 2018, a study found that Portuguese work harder than German or Dutch.

In a nutshell, the Portuguese are eager to earn more, as the minimum wage in the country sits at 760€ per month before taxes. So, it’s no surprise that emigration is through the roof, with over 30,000 people looking for better opportunities abroad in 2022.

These numbers show how much Portuguese workers are willing to do better. And that’s when we need to talk about remote work – to avoid leaving it all behind while being honestly paid for their work.

So, we gathered a few perks about the Portuguese to show you how it’d be great to bring them into your remote workforce.

Portuguese are polite

Of course, there’ll always be exceptions, but Portuguese people are super polite when working.

They understand policies, hierarchies, and how the work should be done. Portuguese are respectful and open the doors to their homes better than any other citizen in the world (believe us on that).

Courtesy is also present in their work interactions. This cultural trait promotes effective communication, facilitates teamwork, and contributes to a harmonious remote work environment.

Portuguese are (very) passionate

They live with a genuine enthusiasm for their work. This allows them to face challenges with determination and a strong work ethic. This passion drives individual success and boosts energy into remote teams.

So collaboration and team effort are guaranteed.

What makes Portuguese special

It’s a blend of traditions, honestly.

That alone reflects how they work, their adaptability, and their open-mindedness. Portuguese quickly embrace different perspectives – which you know is an asset in remote teams. They’re reliable, hard-working, and have a strong sense of responsibility.

However, when it comes to hiring Portuguese in Portugal, it gets complex.

Portuguese bureaucracy can be challenging. So it’s crucial you know how to hire complyantly in the country. Following the labor and tax rules can be a headache, but not with the proper help (reach out to us if needed).

Now, it’s time to dive deeper into the Portuguese workforce.

6 Facts About the Portuguese Workforce (And Why They Make Remote Managing Easier)

We don’t mean to tell you all the Portuguese workers are perfect.

We mean to tell you how well they work and how much they can help your business. As responsible and reliable, Portuguese can be the best employees out there. Here are 6 facts that might be interesting to you.

1. Education

Portugal boasts a well-educated workforce. It’s almost a tradition that a teenager transits from school to University to get a degree. It’s also tradition that not only do they graduate, but they also enroll in Master’s and Doctoral programs afterward.

There still is a culture of “the more you study at a University, the better they’ll pay you” – which may or may not happen, as you know.

Portuguese people hold degrees in various fields, including technology and engineering. In fact, the Software Development in Portugal industry is valued at €982.5m – and expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.5% until 2025, reaching $1.3 billion by that year.

2. Language Proficiency

Most Portuguese kids learn English early, as it’s obligatory in almost every school. A lot opt to learn Spanish along the way, so expect to find employees with all these perks – which facilitate communication and make it easier to manage remote workforces.

3. Tech-savviness

Portugal has witnessed quick tech advances, with many sectors and professionals digitalizing tools and platforms – a critical skill for remote collaboration. As you know, leveraging technology is essential in any distributed company, and Portuguese workers are great at using it.

4. Cultural Empathy 

The Portuguese are culturally sensitive and adaptive, making them truly good at understanding different perspectives in international remote teams. In fact, between 2011 and 2021, the number of foreign residents in Portugal increased by 40%, which shows how multicultural this country has always been.

5. The Time Zone Advantage

Portugal's strategic time zone works well between American and European business hours, enhancing global collaboration.

6. Dedication to Learning and Evolving

Portuguese professionals are always learning, looking for new approaches to what they do or how they could perform better. They ensure they’re constantly updated with industry trends and tech advances.

Portuguese professionals excel in remote work environments due to their adaptability, strong communication skills, and dedication to learning. Their ability to bridge time zones is also a vital asset. 

Collaborating across cultures isn’t easy, but Portuguese people work their way around. Their tech-savviness and passion for innovation ensure they remain at the forefront of remote work best practices.

As the world continues to embrace remote work as a viable mode of operation, the Portuguese workforce stands out as one of the most productive and reliable.