Employers’ Handbook: Best Practices for Onboarding International Employees

Did you know that effective onboarding can greatly enhance various critical aspects of employee engagement? 

Research suggests that Implementing a robust onboarding framework can help you boost employee retention by 52%, increase productivity by 60%, and improve overall satisfaction by 53% over the long term!

Welcoming new employees into your company is always a crucial moment, and when those employees are from another country, the stakes can feel even higher. 

Integrating international talent into your workforce entails embracing diversity, fostering cultural understanding, and making your new hires feel comfortable and valued from day one. 

How You Can Onboard Your International Employees Proactively and Perfectly 

Continue reading to understand.

#1 Prepare a Thoughtful Pre-Arrival Package

Before your international employee steps foot in their new workplace, lay the groundwork for a smooth transition. 

Sending a welcome package that includes company materials, local city guides, and essential information shows thoughtfulness. Adding personal touches, like a handwritten note can also make the entire experience warm and inviting. 

Assigning them a “buddy” from the team who can answer questions, make introductions, and offer support creates an immediate sense of belonging and helps ease anxieties about moving to a new country.

#2 Provide Comprehensive Legal and Logistical Support

Navigating the entire scenario of legal and logistical requirements can be daunting, but your support can lighten the load significantly. 

Make sure all necessary visas and work permits are handled efficiently and provide your new hire with clear and step-by-step information. 

Offering relocation assistance, be it help with finding housing or understanding local transportation, goes a long way in showing that you care about their well-being beyond the workplace. 

This kind of support can be a game-changer in making them feel valued and settled.

#3 Implement Cultural Sensitivity Training for the Team

Cultural differences should be embraced as an asset rather than a barrier. Hosting cultural awareness sessions to educate your team about varied workplace etiquettes, communication styles, and social norms can help create a more inclusive and respectful environment!

Providing language support, whether it’s through training or resources, can also help bridge communication gaps. This investment in understanding and being understood makes everyone feel more comfortable and respected.

A report by Diversity for Social Impact highlighted that comprehensive sensitivity training programs led to a 34% boost in employee engagement and a 19% increase in productivity for organizations.

#4 Develop an Engaging Orientation Program

A well-rounded orientation program is key to making your international hire feel at home. 

Start with introducing them to the company’s mission, vision, and values, giving them a clear understanding of where they fit. 

Also, familiarize them with the organizational structure and key projects to make them feel part of the bigger picture. Offering one-on-one training sessions to get them up to speed with the tools and technologies they will be using shows that you are committed to setting them up for success.

#5 Schedule Regular Check-Ins and Offer Continuous Support

Onboarding doesn’t stop after the first week, rather, continuous support is crucial. Schedule regular check-ins to see how they’re adjusting and to address any concerns they might have. 

These sessions provide an invaluable opportunity to offer feedback and make necessary adjustments. 

Pairing them with mentors who can offer ongoing guidance ensures that they always have someone to turn to, making the whole experience less overwhelming.

#6 Facilitate Social Integration Within the Team

Feeling part of the team is essential for any new hire, and even more so for someone coming from overseas. 

Hosting team-building activities and social events helps international employees build relationships and feel more connected. 

Encouraging cultural exchange, by inviting them to share their traditions or stories enriches the team’s cultural fabric. At the same time, it also makes them feel appreciated for who they are.

#7 Actively Seek and Act on Feedback

Did you know that reportedly, a significant 64% of employees say their workplace has a feedback program, yet 41% have left a job because they felt unheard. Additionally, 20% of employees don’t share feedback with their employers at all. 

Besides, only 10% of employees feel engaged after receiving negative feedback, indicating that how feedback is delivered and utilized is vital for keeping employees engaged and satisfied.

So, make it clear that you value their input by creating both formal and informal channels for feedback, whether through surveys, suggestion boxes, or casual chats. 

Actively seeking and valuing their feedback not only helps you improve the onboarding process but also shows that their opinion matters. 

Simplify International Hiring with Tarmack’s EOR Services

Onboarding international employees might be challenging, but it’s an opportunity to enrich your workplace with diverse perspectives and experiences. Following the best practices discussed above will help you ensure a smooth transition and set the stage for a successful and mutually beneficial relationship with your new team members.

Tarmack’s Employer of Record (EOR) services can further make it even more simpler for you. 

We take care of all the legal and administrative details, like work visas and payroll setup, so you can focus on welcoming your new team members. This ensures they quickly become productive parts of your team without any unnecessary delays.

Retaining international talent is also simpler with Tarmack. We provide ongoing support and comprehensive benefits to keep your employees happy and engaged. Our HR services address any issues that come up, so your international staff feels connected and valued.