What is workplace engagement?
Workplace engagement refers to how much people like and care about their jobs. It's not just doing the work but feeling excited and wanting to do a good job. Engaged employees are happy, work well with others, and try their best. They also stay in their jobs longer and help the company do better.
Workplace engagement is especially important for expats because when you move to a new country for work, you face unique challenges. You are in a new place, often with a different language and culture. Feeling engaged at work can help you adapt quicker and, as a result, succeed professionally.
Engaged expats are more likely to learn new things, share ideas, and work well with others. This will not only help you settle into your new job and country but also benefit the company you work for. When expats are engaged, they're happier, stay longer, and contribute more to the team's success.
Why Is training/re-training important for foreign professionals?
Training and re-training are crucial for foreign professionals because moving to a new country for work brings unique challenges:
- Different countries have different work cultures and practices. Training helps foreign professionals understand how things work in their new workplace.
- Re-training allows experienced professionals to learn new skills or update existing ones, making them more effective in their roles. Plus, new skills gained through training can lead to further career advancement and new opportunities. Re-training also keeps professionals updated in rapidly evolving industries.
- Learning about the local culture through training helps avoid misunderstandings and promotes smoother interactions with colleagues. Training can also enhance language skills, aiding communication and ensuring instructions and discussions are clear.
- Foreign professionals often require additional training to learn about local systems, tools, and technologies used in the workplace. Training builds confidence, reducing the stress of adapting to a new work environment.
In a nutshell, training empowers foreign professionals to excel in their new roles, adapt to changes, and contribute effectively to their organization's success.
What may training or re-training for expats look like in the workplace?
Training or re-training for expats in the workplace can take on various forms, depending on the job, location, and other factors. Here are some examples:
Cultural workshops
Workshops on local customs, traditions, and communication styles help expats understand and navigate the new culture. These can be especially useful in situations when there are substantial cultural gaps between an expat's home and their new workplace.
Language training
When an expat is working in a foreign language environment, improving language skills can be a crucial stepping stone to better communication and professional advancement. Language training can come in many forms: workplace classes, online courses, corporate training, colleague-to-colleague tutoring – and more.
Onboarding programs
Comprehensive onboarding is like a helpful guide for expats starting a new job. It teaches them about the company's rules, how things work, and what's important to the company. Expats learn about how to do their job, the tools they'll use, and who to talk to if they need help. They also understand the company's values and how to be safe at work.
Job-specific training
Unike onboarding, job-specific training is a special learning session designed just for expats and their jobs. It helps them really understand what they need to do and how to do it well. Job-related training may also involve instructing expats on any professional and industry-specific differences that may exist between their home countries and new destinations.
Technology training
Technology is now present in almost any workplace. However, different workplaces may use different tools to get things accomplished more efficiently – especially if these workplaces are in different countries. Getting acquainted with the right software right away can help expats work better and get more impressive results.
Cross-cultural sensitivity training
Cross-cultural sensitivity training is a special class that helps expats understand and work well with people from different backgrounds. In this type of training, you will learn how to communicate and collaborate with colleagues who might have different perspectives and ways of thinking. This training can teach you to respect and appreciate differences, which makes working together smoother and more successful. It's like learning the "language" of different cultures so everyone can work together happily and achieve common goals.
Local market insights
Local market training can provide expats with valuable knowledge about the area they're working in. During this training, expats learn about the local community, customer preferences, and the current trends in the market. This helps them understand what people like and what products or services are in demand. By gaining these insights, they can make informed business decisions that cater to the local audience. Essentially, it's like getting a guidebook that helps them navigate the local business landscape and make choices that contribute to the company's success.
What if your company doesn't provide training?
If your company doesn't give you training as an expat worker, you can still learn on your own.
First, there are lots of courses available online, a lot of which are free. Look for something that matches your industry and situation. If the course is paid, you can also approach your employer and ask if you can add it to work-related expenses. Check out Udemy, Skillshare, and others.
Another option is to ask your colleagues for help. Someone who is familiar with both the workplace and your new destination can provide you with valuable insights into “how things work” that formal education may not be able to.
Finally, talk to your boss or HR to see if they can help. Ultimately, effective employee training is in the best interests of both you and your company, and you may be able to find a comprehensive solution to your concerns.
