In an era where technology continues to shape the landscape of global business, the need for a human touch remains paramount. Acumen International stands at the forefront of this intersection, championing a human-centred approach to global employment solutions.
At the helm of these efforts is Maria Savva, Global Operations Director, whose insights and leadership have been pivotal in steering Acumen’s course towards enhancing client experience through technology.
Q: Could you share your perspective on the recent global meet-up in Cyprus and how it’s influencing Acumen’s direction, particularly in blending human interactions with technology?
A: The Cyprus meet-up was nothing short of amazing. For many of us, it was the first time we met in person, which brought an invaluable dimension to our teamwork and problem-solving abilities. The CEO’s presentation gave us insight into Acumen’s evolution as a global employment organisation across 190 countries and solidified our vision for the future. This experience united us, building trust and a strong team spirit. It was a crucial step in our journey, especially as we aim to further humanise technology in our operations.
Q: As the Global Operations Director overseeing customer-facing teams, how do your interactions with clients inform and shape Acumen’s technology roadmap?
A: Our approach is rooted in active listening. By engaging directly with our clients, we grasp their expectations and explore how we can exceed them. This interaction is the cornerstone of how we evolve our technology. Feedback varies; while some clients prefer regular updates through calls, others may not wish to dedicate as much time. Regardless of the method, we prioritise understanding their needs, which informs our technological advancements and innovations, like the Global Payroll Calculator. This tool is a reflection of our commitment to not just meeting but exceeding client expectations with our global employment services.
Q: Which of Acumen’s products are you excited about, and why?
A: I’m particularly proud of our Global Payroll Calculator and Global Compliance Guide. These tools provide specific, country-level legal insights, which are instrumental in making informed decisions when expanding your team internationally. What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We offer a unique combination of human interaction, customised solutions, knowledge, and technological tools, which is something our competitors often lack. This blend ensures that our clients can always reach a real person with their queries, whether they’re about legislation, compliance, or budget concerns, setting us apart as a leading global employment company.
Q: How does the feedback loop with clients help refine Acumen’s services and technological solutions?
A: Our dialogue with clients provides critical insights that help us tailor and refine our technology. For example, integrating data input features specifically requested by our clients’ finance teams allows us to offer bespoke services that significantly enhance their operational efficiency. This ongoing feedback is vital for continuous improvement and innovation in our offerings, cementing our status as a premier employer of record services provider.
Q: What strategies do you employ to ensure Acumen’s team exceeds client expectations through technology and personalised service?
A: Our primary strategy is to be available, transparent, accountable, and easy to engage with. We foster a culture of mutual learning between our team and clients, which enhances our service delivery. We emphasise on hiring skilled and empathetic individuals who care deeply about clients and our team and understand the significance of their work, which is central to our ethos. This approach not only meets but often exceeds client expectations, underlining our role as a comprehensive Global Employer of Record (EOR).
Q: How important is it for the Acumen team to deeply understand the intricacies involved with global employment?
A: The human experience is indispensable in our line of work. Clients appreciate the ability to speak to a human who not only understands their issue but can also empathise and offer solutions. This level of responsiveness and empathy cannot be replicated by technology alone. It’s the human touch that often makes the difference, providing reassurance and clarity in complex situations, especially in the realm of global employment outsourcing.
Q: Acumen’s long history and global reach give it a competitive edge. Could you discuss the key services you’re particularly proud of?
A: Our extensive experience, covering over 20 years and operations across 190 markets, gives us a profound understanding of global employment intricacies. As one of the first companies in this space, we established a robust framework early on. This foundation, enriched by decades of experience, has only added value to our offerings over the years. We’re able to provide comprehensive services, including Employer of Record and all-encompassing immigration solutions.
I’m particularly proud of our ability to help our clients deal with complex circumstances, showcasing our adeptness at navigating intricate regulatory landscapes. Our long-standing position and accumulated expertise in the market enable us to deliver unparalleled service and support to our clients, affirming our commitment to excellence and innovation in the global employment sector.
Q: Finally, what achievements under your leadership have made you most proud?
A: First of all, I’m proud of our team. I have an amazing team that supports our company on all levels, including clients, partners, colleagues, and management. Our client-centric approach, combined with our technological tools, has not only sped up processes but also deepened our team’s understanding and increased efficiency, making Acumen a formidable player in the tech and global employment sectors.