Maximising a migrant workforce (part 2)

If you’re thinking about employing migrant workers, taking time to understand the differences they may face can go a long way. Guiding them through those will help them adapt more quickly, which can only mean good news for your business.

Migrant workers can help fill labour and skill shortages in the construction sector – but how well they do that can depend on how quickly and successfully they adapt to Kiwi culture, both inside and outside the workplace.

Employers can help by taking the time to familiarise prospective overseas employees with New Zealand work culture; in doing so, you can help maximise their productivity within your business.

Immigration New Zealand provides some simple tips that can make all the difference to settling and retaining migrant workers in its helpful guide Are You Employing Migrant Construction Workers?

Over the next few issues of Under Construction, we’ll continue to feature content from this guide, so that when you encounter issues, you’ll have a better idea of how to deal with them.

Language and communication

For some migrants, differences in language communication styles will be particularly important to consider.

Language and Kiwi accent

Just because someone has a strong accent, it doesn’t mean they have poor English skills or can’t do the job.

Kiwis can use lots of informal language at work, including slang and swear words. This makes it difficult for migrants who have learnt very formal English, and even for migrants whose first language is English. Some workers are very offended by bad language and shouting.

Migrants often want to do well and are keen to improve. Words used on your site such as smoko, dwang, Gib board, crescent and ute might be completely new to them. You could help them learn the new words by writing them down. Employers who take the time to help their employees with language should see improvements in productivity.

For more information on workplace communication, go online at http://worktalk.immigration.govt.nz

 

Communication styles

Our Kiwi workplaces are much more informal than what many migrants are familiar with. They may not be used to discussing non-work topics, like what they did in the weekend, in the workplace.

Some migrants may find it difficult to engage in social talk, even at breaks. Lack of engagement, and possibly lack of familiarity with New Zealand humour, may make them seem unfriendly. Even the way Kiwis speak can be challenging for migrants. Some migrants may not recognise an instruction that is said in an indirect way, such as “Perhaps you could just tighten that bolt”.

Work and management styles

Everyone works in the same way, don’t they? Yeah right! Have you ever wondered why some of your migrants work differently from you? Remember, different cultures value different behaviours and different values can affect how people think and act in the workplace.

What are Kiwis like at work?

Compared to workers from some other parts of the world, Kiwis:

• Expect everyone to be treated the same.
• Respect the boss, but usually speak to him or her in a relaxed way and are willing to make suggestions.
• Like to work on their own, without being closely supervised.
• Are willing to turn their hand to a range of tasks, not just those they were hired to do.

How are migrants different at work?

There are cultural differences in management style preferences. Some migrant construction workers come from countries where they are used to being told exactly what to do, and they find Kiwi workers and managers very different from what they’re used to.

Communication tips from an employer

• Encourage your migrant workers to talk slowly if you are having difficulty understanding them.
• Directly ask your migrants for their opinions or suggestions, if they do not contribute when you feel they have knowledge or expertise that is appropriate. Start with their name eg “Cheung, do you have any suggestions about how we can do this?”
• Understand that if they express advice too strongly or bluntly that, may just be having difficulty understanding what is appropriate.
• Make it clear when it is just a suggestion and not an instruction.
• Use phrases such as “this is just a suggestion, what do you think?” or “can you think of another way we could do this?”
• Be very clear when giving instructions – don’t miss steps or make assumptions about their understanding.
• Provide important instructions in writing, if necessary.
• Try using pictures and maps to explain things rather than words.
• Use simple, direct language and explain complicated words and jargon.
• Try not to swear or yell – it can cause offence.
• Use a notice board, whiteboards and signs in the workplace.
• Check understanding of instructions by asking your worker to repeat what they have to do – ask them, “So, what are you going to do first?”
• Ask open questions rather than questions that simply require a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response. A migrant’s culture can make it difficult to question or say ‘no’ to the boss. Don’t take advantage of this!