I'm against anyone who gets too xenophobic or protective of "jobs in my country".  Jobs should be filled according to the needs of a company and all aspects that lead to the definition of "needs" should be taken into account.  While I am staunchly loyal to the UK, if a job is better filled outside of it then I see that as a problem with the UK if it can not justify that job being offered here rather than any other country.  if another country can offer a company a better package, then that is good for that country.  It could be Wales, Ireland, France, India, USA or Australia (surely that is why Robbie has gone back home).  This means, in my opinion, those who work outside these shores and deliver some service back to the UK were picked because they are the person for the job, especially when they have to deliver to multiple countries!! 

Working for Microsoft has made me realise just how multi-cultural the world is and how diverse the talent pool can be.  In my job I have worked with people from all continents (except the very cold icy one) and I have been greatly impressed with their ability to work across boundaries. I've received plenty of complements for these people and a few thanking me for the "local" person who turned out to be in another country after all.  Providing quality is good, I think the "needs" bit has been answered.

Now, not every job outside the UK or the US is "taken" from those countries, although I hear plenty of flack about it in the two countries.  So, how nice was it to see this headline "The best companies to work for in India - #1 - Microsoft" at Business Today - Beta - India's leading business magazine. 

The best companies to work for in India

Microsoft India - A vista unlike any other

The software giant from Redmond makes a stunning entry into BT’s Best Companies to Work for in India list at #1. Quite a feat for a corporation that runs six different units in India.

Microsoft’s secret sauce

Leadership development: The company spots and develops youngsters into leadership roles early in their careers and spends a large amount of time and money preparing them for the job ahead.

Internal transfers: Microsoft India employees can seamlessly transfer among the six business groups if they feel that they are stagnating in their current job.

Transparent compensation: The system of pay and appraisals are open and transparent inside the company, and employees know what they have to do to get to the next grade.

Mentoring: The mentoring system inside the company is one of the best. Mentors and their wards meet regularly and have an open and frank dialogue. And this relationship is not just a one way street, Mentors often learn from their wards as well.

Recruitment: New employees are given a ‘Buddy’ to help them assimilate into the company. The company also helps in finding employees accommodation by having a real estate consultant.

<SNIPPED> - much more at the link above

I love working with people from all over the world and it is good to see that those people like working for the same company that I chose. It is also worth noting that the "secret sauce" is alive and kicking here in the UK too.

ttfn

David