Onboarding - making it easier to arrive

Actively involve your new employee even before they arrive. This can be done through virtual meetings, appointments to get to know the team or brief introductions to everyday working life and the company environment. Digital formats such as welcome videos, team meetings via video or a digital induction guide can help with this. Take the opportunity to clarify open questions and reduce any uncertainties.

The sustainable integration of international specialists can only succeed in an environment that is open, appreciative and culturally sensitive. This includes not only a warm welcome, but also the conscious involvement of all employees.

• Sensitize your team to cultural diversity and promote mutual understanding.
• Encourage mutual understanding and open communication with a feedback culture.
• Clarify the responsibilities for onboarding, integration and support in your company.
• Pay attention to cultural particularities, e.g. holidays, and individual needs.
• Support the new team member in finding accommodation and other initial steps.
• Include accompanying family members, help them find childcare or establish social contacts.
• Provide important information in English or in the native language of your new employees.
• Plan language training and professional development as part of a long-term perspective.

Further information and tips can be found under Welcome culture in the company and Intercultural skills in the team.

Good mentoring not only strengthens new employees, but also the welcoming culture in the team. Provide the new team member with an experienced colleague, ideally with intercultural competence. This person will help them get started and provide support with everyday issues, dealing with the authorities or finding accommodation.

Involve the mentor role at an early stage and clearly define the tasks. Allow sufficient time for this in your daily work routine.

The mentor should always provide voluntary and committed support. Even if the incentive should not lie solely in material benefits, compensation for the additional effort may be useful. If no suitable person can be found internally, external integration support can be used. Ask your regional Welcome Center for more information.

Mentoring training courses help to build up intercultural skills, e.g. with these offers:

• Company integration manager - Wirtschaft für ein Weltoffenes Sachsen e. V. and IHK
• Welcome coach - Welcome Center Erzgebirge
• Mentoring program for the integration of foreign skilled workers - District of Central Saxony

Prepare the workplace in good time - ideally including a small welcome gift, e.g. with a regional specialty or personal message. Provide an information folder to give orientation.

Contents of the welcome folder can include

• About the company: Contact persons, organizational chart, processes, fixed dates, rules, introduction to the team, information on team events

• About the living environment: Finding accommodation, daycare/school, medical care, supermarket opening hours

• Practical tips: Public transport, opening a bank account, health insurance, contacting authorities, driving license regulations

• Leisure: cultural activities, local communities and clubs, sports activities

Many Saxon cities and regions provide a welcome brochure with important contact points.

You can find a fillable template for a welcome folder on the Make it in Germany website.

During theirfirst few days at work , your new employees should receive a clear introduction to their working environment and the necessary work equipment. Information on the most important day-to-day work processes - such as communication channels, working hours and break regulations - will also help them to quickly find their feet.

A structured induction plan with clear stages and regular feedback meetings provide additional security.

Cultural integration is best achieved through personal encounters, e.g. at team events, informal meetings or intercultural activities. This ensures that the new colleague feels well looked after from the outset and starts their new job with a positive feeling.