How to Help Your Migrant Employees Thrive in New Zealand
Learn how to support your migrant employees in New Zealand and create an inclusive workplace environment.
Written by Yongtian Liu
Last Updated On July 4, 2023
New Zealand is known for its diverse and inclusive society, attracting migrants from around the world. As an employer, it's crucial to create an environment that supports the success and well-being of your migrant employees.
In this blog post, we will explore practical strategies and considerations to help your migrant workforce thrive in New Zealand.
Creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture is essential to support the integration of migrant employees. Encourage your staff to embrace diversity and treat everyone with respect. Implement initiatives such as cultural awareness training, team-building activities, and celebrations of different cultures to foster a sense of belonging.
Language barriers can hinder effective communication and limit opportunities for migrants. Consider offering language support programs, such as language classes or access to language learning resources. Encourage open communication and provide interpreters if needed to ensure all employees can express themselves effectively.
Help your migrant employees adjust to the local culture by providing cultural orientation programs. These programs can cover topics such as local customs, work etiquette, social norms, and critical cultural events. By increasing their understanding of New Zealand's culture, you can facilitate smoother integration and minimize potential misunderstandings.
Moving to a new country can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding suitable housing and settling in. Provide assistance and resources to help your migrant employees find accommodation, navigate essential services, and understand local transportation options. Offer guidance on accessing healthcare services, banking, and other necessary amenities to support their settlement process.
Migrant employees may possess valuable qualifications and skills acquired in their home countries. Recognize and value their international credentials by conducting assessments and providing opportunities for skill utilization. Acknowledge their expertise and consider relevant training or upskilling programs to bridge any gaps in local requirements.
Facilitate connections between migrant employees and mentors within your organization. Encourage experienced staff members to offer guidance and support to newcomers, helping them navigate workplace dynamics, cultural nuances, and professional growth opportunities. Additionally, provide networking opportunities to enable them to expand their professional circles and build connections within their industry.
Recognize that migrant employees may face unique challenges in balancing work and personal life due to being away from their support networks. Promote work-life balance by offering flexible working arrangements, such as flexible hours or remote work options. Encourage employees to take advantage of leave entitlements and support their involvement in community activities and events.
Create employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide a platform for migrants and diverse employees to come together, share experiences, and support each other. ERGs can organize cultural events, provide mentorship, and offer a support network for those facing specific challenges. Embrace their input to improve company policies and practices.
Helping your migrant employees thrive in New Zealand requires a proactive and inclusive approach. By fostering a welcoming workplace culture, providing language support, offering cultural orientation, assisting with the settlement, recognizing international qualifications, offering mentorship and networking opportunities, supporting work-life balance, and establishing employee resource groups, you can create an environment where your migrant workforce can flourish. Embracing diversity and valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of your employees will benefit your organization as a whole, fostering innovation, collaboration, and success.