Maximising a migrant workforce

The last in our series on integrating migrant workers into your workforce focuses on accommodation – along with a round-up of everything we’ve covered over the past few months

The process of finding accommodation in New Zealand may be different to those in migrant workers’ countries. In New Zealand, rental properties are usually unfurnished – this means that, although an oven is provided, your worker may need to provide their own furniture (including beds and linen), refrigerator, washing machine, cutlery and cooking equipment. They will likely need guidance on the best place to buy these.

If your workers are bringing their family to New Zealand, you should suggest they come in advance to make arrangements. Where possible, you could provide or arrange accommodation for your workers.

Make your workers aware of websites that advertise accommodation, such as:

• www.trademe.co.nz
• www.allrealestate.co.nz
• www.flatfinder.co.nz

It’s helpful if you have advice, but you don’t have to be the expert! Here are some useful websites that contain
further information:

• www.dbh.govt.nz/tenancy-index
• www.dol.govt.nz/ssnzhousing

You should advise your migrant workers that their advance move-in costs could include a bond (equivalent of up to four weeks’ rent) and, in some cases, letting agent fees (usually one week’s rent plus GST).

Information for new migrants

Immigration New Zealand provides a free information service for new migrants. New migrants can use these services for information about living in New Zealand, for example, where to find a doctor, how to choose a school, understanding the health system, and clubs and community groups that they and their families can join.

There are four ways that new migrants can access free information about life in New Zealand.

1. Visit www.newzealandnow.govt.nz
2. Phone 0800 776 948  to ask questions ( ‘Language Line’ is available if they want to speak to someone in their own language)
3. Email their question to newmigrantinfo@mbie.govt.nz
4. Visit a Citizens Advice Bureau in one of 30 areas. See www.newzealandnow.govt.nz for details about the locations.

The faster migrants settle, the faster they’ll become productive members of your staff. A well-settled migrant is a productive employee, and more likely to remain loyal.

You can help by providing the migrant (and their family) with information and insight into the basics, such as introductions to schools and local settlement services.

New overseas employee checklist

To make sure you and your migrant workers get the most of their move to New Zealand, use this simple checklist as a guide to help smooth their integration into your workplace. 

Before arrival

Before your migrant worker arrives in New Zealand, ask yourselves these questions:

• Have I arranged for someone to meet them when they arrive?
• Have I arranged for someone to act as a ‘buddy’ or mentor?
• Do I have a written job description and/or a list of tasks and targets to give to the new employee?
• Do I have written information about how we operate – staff structure and roles, lines of communication, hours of work, timings of breaks, use of internet/e-mail and telephone, etc.
• Are their accommodation and transportation needs being met?
• Are existing employees prepared for the new employee’s arrival?
• Do I know something about the values and work styles of the new migrant employee’s culture?
• Do I know how they expect to be managed?
• Do I know about their cultural and religious beliefs and whether they have any religious commitments, such as going to church on a Saturday or Sunday?
• Have I found out if there is a local person from the migrant’s ethnic community that I can put them in touch with?
• Have I allowed for some time off in the first week for the new employee to organise their home life in New Zealand?
• Have I organised a tour of the local area?

On arrival

Check they have a driver’s licence and information about driving in New Zealand. If you’ve provided them with accommodation, show them around, explain the house rules and how to use its heating and equipment.

You should also:

• Ensure they have the right clothing for work.
• Prepare a written list of tasks.
• Have their written employment agreement on hand.
• Let them know there’s a free information service available for them, and give them the details.

First day at work

• Welcome your new employee.
• Meet with the migrant and their immediate supervisor.
• Introduce them to a ‘buddy’ or mentor.
• Introduce them to team members.
• Take them on a tour of the workplace and their own workstation/office.
• Give them prepared written documents about the job and the workplace.
• Show them how to safely use any important equipment.
• Explain any workplace etiquette – e.g. use of kitchen, recycling.
• Set up regular meetings with your migrant employee and their ‘buddy’ to help with settlement into the workplace.

GOING FORWARD

Organise on-the-job or off-site training, including inducting them in your health and safety systems, and enroll them in safety training. Continue with your orientation programme and organise social work activities for your migrant employee, and their family, to help them integrate.

Ensure they are able to keep in touch with family back home – this can help to reduce feelings of isolation and homesickness. You should also be conscious of how you communicate:

• Use simple language.
• Explain jargon and new words.
• Check you are understood when giving instructions – try asking the new migrant “so, what are you going to do first?” to see if they have understood.
• Write things down – use a notice board or whiteboard, or signs and maps in the workplace.