As an Island-based company, the decision to open your recruitment doors to the international talent pool is a sensible and necessary one. It’s not just that you have more people with the skill sets you require, you are also increasing workplace diversity. This comes with its own set of advantages, such as greater perspective, more innovative ideas, and a better work environment. It also comes with challenges…

While the positives of hiring internationally are tempting, there are potential problems that come with recruiting further afield. These obstacles shouldn’t put HR managers or recruiters off. However, being aware of them and knowing how to overcome them can significantly increase your chances of making successful hires.

Prior to beginning your search, the first thing to have in mind is the financial impact of an international hire. Replacing a locally-based member of staff – let alone an expat – can be expensive. Then, considering that can often take 6-12 months for a new team member to become fully productive, you need to ensure the company has the financial means to hire this way. One solution to reducing hiring costs is to hire remotely (if the position allows for it).

Moving country is always going to create a massive culture shock. The candidate’s ability to settle in is a concern for every HR manager. New hires are likely to have a ton of paperwork and legal documents to work their way through from visas to opening new bank accounts and arranging insurance. If they are relocating with their family, they might also have to look for schools and ways to help their family members settle.

Here are 6 ways to help international hires to settle in:

Familiarise yourself with international regulations

Hiring laws and regulations vary from island to island and, in some cases, your hiring regulations can be a huge shock for a new recruit. Understanding the employment contracts, legal entitlements, and paid days off enables you to address the issues beforehand so there are no major avoidable surprises later. Be sure to get professional advice.

Provide your new recruits with adequate resources

When applying for visas and even looking for accommodation, an international hire may need documents from your end. Provide these as quickly as possible so they can move forward with their preparation. You can also provide advice on which bank to choose or recommend real estate agents, medical providers etc.

Help them get to know the island

A new recruit will have no idea about the best (or most practical) area to live in, public transport, travel times to and from work and so on. Giving them guidance on some of the preferred locations can increase the chances of them feeling comfortable and happy with their accommodation and local amenities.

Offer cultural tips and advice

If you have ever relocated, you will remember that there is a honeymoon phase followed by frustration at the local culture before acceptance of the local way of doing things. Cultural tips pre-warn international hires so that they are better at handling them. For example, relocating from a fast-paced city like London to a more “laid-back” location like the Bahamas is a shock to the system, more so when vice versa!

Pair them with a local buddy

Early on in their new placement, introduce your new recruit to a reliable colleague who is local or who is an expat with local knowledge. This person will be a huge support for them in all areas whether personal or professional and reduce their feelings of isolation. Also, plan some regular office events for team building and making the new hire feel like they are part of your company.

Make yourself available

During the hiring process, you were probably their main or only point of contact. Once hired, it’s often the case that your contact with new recruit becomes significantly less.

Having regular check-ins allows you to spot potential difficulties they are having and help them find solutions before things get out of hand.

Empathy goes a long way in helping international recruits settle into their new roles and life. Change is hard for most people at the best of time but it can also be incredibly fruitful. Try to see things from their put of view – and get ahead of potential problems. It will be worth it.