Building a workplace where migrants skills thrive
Friday 29 Aug 2025
Despite rising unemployment, New Zealand still relies on skilled migrants.
As the economy rebounds, competition for talent will only increase.
Employers who ensure new staff feel supported, included and empowered to
succeed, set themselves up for a thriving workplace.
Migrants bring many valuable skills, but may need time to adjust as
they face several common hurdles. These include communication
styles, where accents, Kiwi slang, and indirect feedback can take getting
used to. The workplace culture itself can be a challenge, as many migrants
are not used to flat management structures and informal or blunt line
manager feedback.
Furthermore, they can experience social isolation, especially without local
networks or shared cultural references. Finally, understanding their rights
is another hurdle, as employment law and health & safety protocols may
be new territory.
What employers can do:
- Structured onboarding - go beyond training. Introduce Kiwi workplace
culture and communication norms. A buddy system with a respected team member
helps ease the transition.
- Inclusive communication - explain workplace jargon and encourage
existing staff to speak slower to new staff. Ensure staff know you value
initiative and innovation.
- Celebrate diversity - welcome new team members publicly, affirm their
place in the team, and encourage questions. Recognise cultural holidays and
invite staff to share their backgrounds. Take an interest in their history
and family.
- Ongoing support - offer regular check-ins and mentoring. Connect
families with community groups.
- Clarify rights and responsibilities - ensure employees understand their
rights before starting work. Cover leave, health and safety, and reporting
processes before they begin.
A welcoming workplace isn’t just good practice, it’s
good business. At Greenstone Recruitment, we see every day how
small steps in support and settlement create stronger teams and better
results. If you’d like advice on building a workforce that
thrives, visit our website and contact Phil Hughes.
More
>>
Source & image credit: Greenstone Recruitment
|
