During the 12 months I have been in the role of ‘Operations Guru’ I’ve been able to reflect on my own experiences of relocating - specifically what support we were given, versus what we actually needed.
Because of this personal experience I have an added respect and appreciation for the NZ businesses and organisations our team works with. Each one of our clients understands that for their international employees to succeed professionally, they need to support them to succeed personally, and they are committed to making that happen.
Here are my 5 tips for business to succeed when relocating international talent to NZ:
Get to know your new employee.
This sounds like such a small task, but it is often overlooked. It is important to get to know your new staff member as a person and understand the journey that is ahead for them. Take the time to ask some simple questions:
- Is this their first relocation?
- How do they feel about what is ahead?
- What is their key concern or worry?
- Who are they leaving behind?
Finding out some basic information helps organisations be better prepared for their new team members arrival, understand what challenges may lie ahead and what additional support might be required.
Arrange accommodation.
Every international worker arriving on our shores deserves to know they have a warm, clean, safe place to sleep. Every organisation bringing workers in to our country should be facilitating this.
Depending on their preferences and budget, this may involve renting a home or apartment on their behalf, or possibly arranging temporary accommodation until they find something more permanent. Ensure this is sorted well in advance of their arrival so they have peace of mind as they prepare to move.
Allow flexibility.
Relocating is a challenging experience. Being required to start work immediately without having completed the important tasks of setting up a bank account, getting an EFTPOS card, registering for an IRD number, or understanding transport options for getting to and from work adds further stress to that challenge.
Be flexible in accommodating the needs of your International talent. Consider adjusting work schedules when they first arrive and allow time for them to find their feet and explore their new surroundings.
Provide a welcoming, supportive work environment.
Can you remember your first day on a new job and how you felt?
Imagine if that job was in a new country, far from home, and required you to communicate in a language you were not confident using. For many International workers that is what they face when moving to New Zealand.
Ensuring your business, and your staff, are prepared for their new team members arrival is critical. Your induction should catering for cultural and language differences and your team should offer an inclusive workplace culture that embraces diversity. Consider having a mentor or buddy to help newcomers settle in and navigate administrative task , and provide opportunities for your new employees to learn about New Zealand's culture and traditions.
Keep communicating.
It's essential to maintain open lines of communication with your relocated employees throughout the whole process - including after their arrival. Their needs and concerns will evolve over time so encourage them to share these with you and be prepared to address them.
Also, when the time is right, ask for feedback - what worked and what didn’t? This allows you to assess the effectiveness of your strategies and adapt as needed to ensure the well-being and productivity of your international talent
When business prioritize the holistic well-being of their international team members not only do they create a successful workforce but also a more inclusive and thriving workplace culture. Invest the time and resources to get it right - for both your international employee’s well-being and your company’s success.
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If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.
To book a demo of our AEWV Resettlement Portal, or to better understand how Mobile can help you to ensure you are offering the right resettlement services for your candidates and your business, contact our Principal Bridget Romanes.