Integrating new team members from offshore

In this post GFC environment, the talent shortage experienced by many organisations over the last five years has quickly re-established itself. Corporate organisations are already feeling the pinch which is stimulating the need for them to re-consider their talent and retention strategies. International recruitment and enhanced secondment programs are increasingly boosting recruitment strategies and building upon these talent and retention programs.

To maximise the return on investment when recruiting migrants on a permanent or temporary basis it is critical to facilitate a smooth integration into Australia. This means giving consideration to the professional, social and personal needs of your new team member and their family. To do this, an increasing number of organisations offer orientation programs to ease the arrival of their secondees and offshore hires. It is usual for these programs to include arrival services, gift hampers, home search and school search. It makes sense to extend this offering beyond the logistical elements of setting up a new apartment/house and sourcing a local school for the children to cater to core aspects of the Australian culture.

A fundamental part of the Australian culture is our passion for sport. Hence, providing an introduction to prevalent Australian sports such as AFL, rugby union, cricket and rugby league is prudent. Beyond the obvious benefits of being included in discussions with neighbours and new colleagues about sport, many Australian companies expect team members to partake in business development activities at sporting events. 

Enabling new team members to feel confident about entertaining clients at an AFL game, for example, will assist in developing your client relationships. Equally, if your team member is invited to a corporate sporting event - such as a day at the cricket - having them feel comfortable enough to accept the invitation is important. The ability to build rapport between provider and client is core to business, and sport is a common way in which this is achieved in Australia.

From a family perspective, having children learn about Australian sports may assist them to integrate into their local community. Building their knowledge about Australian sports may create an interest that leads to them joining a local club and making new friends. Likewise for partners/spouses, the social network sport can bring - be it as a weekend social activity or through their children - may contribute to the family unit being comfortable in their new city.

Know The Game is an innovative business that supports this agenda. Know The Game offers corporate seminars, public workshops and tailored training for families and individuals to teach the fundamentals of core Australian sports.  AFL, rugby union and cricket workshops are available now, with workshops for other sports following soon.

To learn more about the Know The Game offering email us at ask@knowthegame.com.au