When bringing a foreign workforce into one’s company, one should understand that there is much more to it than simply placing PERM advertising. While that is a crucial part of getting the word out, one also has to remember that there are many parts that go into the process of identifying a good candidate. Not only this, but after one finds individuals that are great for the job, one has to understand that they are bringing in people that come from a different culture and which are bound to be different from domestic employees. Indeed, as far as adapting to a new culture goes, one can think of it as a bridge. Usually, employees that were hired after placing PERM advertising cross that bridge alone. However, it is best if the welcoming company does some things to be able to meet that individual in the middle of that bridge.
Perception
Most of the issues that have to do with workplaces that have several cultures in them have to do with the fact that people may look at the same situation and see it differently depending on their culture of origin. It is important thus for a company to consider understanding the taboos of the culture of the newly hired employee. However, they should make sure to do much more than that. They should strive to have an at least basic understanding of the values, beliefs and general attitudes of that individual’s culture.
Know Employees
It may be helpful in the process of understanding one’s employees to bring in a sort of cultural informant. That is to say, an individual that can help shed a little light on the perceptions, norms and values of the culture. For instance, if after placing PERM advertising one brings in employees that practice a different faith from one’s own, one should be sure to understand how that faith is practiced, as that may lead to different attitudes in the workplace. For instance, they may have a different day during which they don’t work than the rest of the team. It’s also a good idea to educate the rest of one’s employees about this difference, since they will be interacting with the new hire as well.
Communication
Communication is key to any successful workplace environment. However, there may be some cultural differences in communication that may be creating misunderstandings. For instance, there is a difference between direct and indirect communication cultures. The first may be used to stating its thoughts plainly and openly, while the second may see it rude to say no directly, for instance.
