How to Prepare Your Employees for Working Abroad

Expanding a business overseas or opening up global branches can certainly be a significant step in a company’s growth. However, when you’re sending employees to work abroad, there are a lot of factors that must be taken into consideration.

From different laws and regulations to language barriers and cultural differences, the transition can be complicated. You must provide your team with the right resources before sending them off.

Interested in learning more? Then keep on reading. Below, we are going to discuss how you can prepare your employees for working abroad.

Assist with the logistics.

Moving to another country can be incredibly stressful for anyone. Even if you have a job secured, things such as applying for visas and finding accommodation and transport options are challenging.

If you can, provide living arrangements for your employees, even if it’s only temporary. It’s also wise to look into international group health insurance plans so that their wellbeing is protected.

Another helpful tip is to introduce them to local cafes, restaurants, and tourist attractions. The aim is to make them feel more at home.

Offer cross-cultural training.

Before sending any of your staff members abroad, it’s essential to offer them cross-cultural training. This should include information on:

– Customs

– Values

– Traditions

– Best Business Practices

Alongside preparing your employees for culture shock it will ensure that they have a better understanding of any unique changes in the workplace. Training can be offered in various ways, including online courses and in-person workshops.

Provide language training.

Language is a critical aspect of cross-cultural training, so don’t forget to prioritize it. By offering free language classes, your employees can communicate with their foreign counterparts effectively and respectfully. 

If you want to go one step further, you could also hire a private tutor for one-on-one lessons. Knowing the native language well will greatly increase their confidence and help establish a good rapport with others.

Build a strong support system.

It’s completely normal for employees to feel isolated and homesick when they initially start working abroad. A great idea is to assign them a mentor or point of contact who they can go to with any concerns. This person should be knowledgeable about the country and have been through a similar experience.

By building a great support system, co-workers can assist one another through tough times. They may even hang out with each other outside of the office which helps to bring relationships even closer.

Encourage greater work-life balance.

Living abroad generally involves working longer hours with fewer days off. This can put great stress on employees, and make them regret their decision to relocate. Where possible, foster a work-life balance that still gives them time to connect with their surroundings.

You should try and encourage them to take days off to explore recommended sites and go all out to celebrate new and exciting holidays. They will be much more efficient in their roles when they feel comfortable. 

Establish different communication channels.

Effective communication is vital in any workplace, but it’s even more critical in new branches. You must make sure that each of your team members has a reliable internet connection and phone line to keep in touch throughout the week.

You should also provide them with any new contact information, such as social media accounts and email addresses. The more channels they can use, the better. The last thing you want is any misunderstandings. 

Monitor their progress.

Another important thing to do after your employees have moved is monitor their progress. What are they doing well? Are they struggling in certain areas? Are they completing projects on time?

By checking in on them regularly you can help come up with strategies and solutions for certain issues. You can also give them a greater sense of security by answering their questions and concerns.

Give them time to adjust.

Finally, know that it takes time for individuals to adjust to their new surroundings and living arrangements. Before throwing them straight into work, ensure they have a week or so to settle in and explore.

Alongside helping them establish a routine, they will feel much more refreshed when it’s time to start work again. Trust us when we say, they will truly appreciate it and you’ll notice a big difference in productivity and efficiency that will grow your business.

Final Words

And that’s it! Ensuring a smooth transition for your employees who wish to work abroad requires significant planning and resources. Thankfully, there are plenty of steps that you can take to help them settle in smoothly.

Remember, when your team members are happy, the overall outcome of your business operations will be more successful. By offering assistance, they will return the favor with valuable skills and experience. Read more