International mobility is common sense these days. However, relocating abroad can be
challenging: adapting to a new environment, new colleagues, a different language, another
climate, and even a new school for the children…
We are happy to share some valuable tips for both expats and companies to ensure a
smoother transition:
Tips for the expat and their family:
- Gain knowledge of the new culture, country, and local customs. Understanding
these aspects helps remove cultural barriers and prevents misunderstandings. - Don’t overlook practical aspects. Day-to-day practicalities such as grocery shopping,
using public transport, and understanding local etiquette are just as crucial as dealing
with deeper, underlying cultural differences. - Share your experiences and feelings with other expats. Recognizing what others are
going through can be enlightening and provide valuable support.
Tips for the company:
- Create an inclusive workplace. Encourage connections between local employees
and newcomers. Supporting intercultural skills among all employees means
leveraging diversity and investing in a positive work environment. This enhances
employee well-being, productivity, and engagement. - Promote effective communication. Different cultures have different communication
styles, and misunderstandings can easily arise without cultural awareness. Training
helps employees understand how people from various backgrounds express
themselves, enabling clearer communication and reducing misinterpretations. - Don’t overlook the legal aspects: support your employees with the complexities in
work permits, social security, insurances, lease contracts, driving licenses… avoiding
unpleasant surprises. - Organize initiatives that bring cultures together. For example, host a multicultural
week, where employees can share traditional meals from their culture. Food brings
people together and fosters mutual respect.
Participating in a Cultural Training will capture the above topics, ensuring a smoother
transition, making employees work together more effectively and harmoniously, creating a
more cohesive team overall.
More info: https://bewelcome.be/services/cultural-training/
Tine Soers – Managing Partner Be Welcome
