Back to blogEstonia is home to many innovative and fast-growing technology companies and attracts highly skilled talents from across the globe. While the local expat community is thriving, it is essential to note that relocating to another country is a challenging process. And a little effort on your or your organization’s end can help the employees settle in seamlessly in the new environment. Today, let’s explore 12 ways you can be a better support system to your relocated talents.
Relocation as a whole is a challenging, demanding and overwhelming process, as it involves adapting to a new environment, culture, and work culture. More often than not, relocating employees face several difficulties, including adjusting to a new lifestyle, finding a new home, and making new friends. The challenges are manifold when an employee relocates for the first time, with and/or without their family, as they face additional challenges that can affect their mental and overall health.
Despite the challenges, organizations and HRs can play a vital role in supporting their relocated employees by providing the necessary resources, guidance, and support to help them have a smooth transition to Estonia.
12 ways you can be a better support system for your relocated talents
Here are some ways that HR or a company can support relocated employees:
Provide comprehensive onboarding
Provide comprehensive onboarding that covers not only the technical aspects of their role but also the cultural and organizational norms of your institution. Offer cultural orientation sessions and assign a mentor or buddy to help them adapt.
Provide Information and Resources
Companies should provide their relocated employees with comprehensive information about their new location, including information about housing, transportation, and local resources such as schools and hospitals. This information can help employees make informed decisions and feel more confident about their move.
Foster a welcoming and inclusive culture
HR can create an open and supportive environment for expat employees by promoting an open communication culture and supporting diversity and inclusion. Promote cultural awareness and sensitivity within the institution to ensure that your expat employees feel welcome and valued.
Assist with relocation one of the ways support system for your relocated talents
Relocation is a tiresome process for talents. Getting a relocation partner on board that understands the process’s plights and shares your organisation’s vision and values is key to creating a good relocation experience for your talents. Read more here on how you can choose the right partner for your organization’s needs.
Offer continued support
Your employee’s happiness will largely depend on their family’s happiness. Extending support to their trailing spouses and children is essential. This can include check-ins, mentorship programs, and opportunities for professional development.
Offer cultural training
Cultural training can help employees understand and adapt to the cultural differences they will face in their new location. This training can also help employees understand the local customs, traditions, and etiquette, which can be essential in building successful relationships with their new colleagues and customers.
Provide mental health resources
Relocation can be a stressful and emotional experience, and employees may need support during the transition. Companies can provide emotional support through counselling services, mentorship programs, or access to employee assistance programs. This will help expat employees cope with the demands of living and working in a new country.
Offer language support
Language training can be essential for relocated employees who are moving to a location where English isn’t the only language spoken. Companies can provide language training classes or online resources to help employees learn the local language, which can make it easier for them to communicate and succeed in their roles. They can additionally be directed to state-provided courses such as language cafes etc.
Foster a sense of community
Relocating employees may struggle to make new friends and build a support network in Estonia. Encourage employees to connect with their new coworkers and community, both before and after the move. This can help employees feel less isolated and more connected to their new environment. Companies can also help by arranging networking opportunities, such as social events, that provide employees with the chance to meet other people and make new connections.
Offer flexibility in work arrangements
Relocating employees may struggle to balance the demands of their personal life and work life in the beginning. Organizations can provide flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, adjusting their start date, or allowing them to take time off to attend to personal and family needs in order to help employees balance their responsibilities and adjust to their new location.
Provide opportunities for professional development
Through training and development programs, and stretch assignments, ample opportunities can be generated for employees’ professional development and growth.
Connect them with local resources
Connect your international hires with local resources, such as networking groups, cultural organizations, sports and hobby facilities as well as community resources, to help them build a support network and feel more connected to their new community. This can also include information on local schools, healthcare providers, and supermarkets.
In conclusion, relocation is a challenging journey that can be made easier with the right support and resources. Organizations can play a critical role in supporting their relocated employees and their families by providing information, cultural training, language training, networking opportunities, emotional support, financial assistance, and flexible work arrangements. By providing the necessary support, institutions can help their relocated employees make a successful transition and thrive in their new location.
