Supporting skilled migrants into the workplace requires a few adjustments. Upskilling your workforce in cultural competence, beginning with your supervisors and managers, will help you support a diverse workforce and better cross-cultural communication.
Settlement agencies
Settlement agencies and social enterprises specialising in supporting migrants can help you build your business’s cultural competence and confidence.
Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania (MRC Tas)
MRC Tas offers case management, assistance with housing, employment, education, and English language learning, as well as orientation to Australian life. It also provides specialised services for individuals with complex needs, such as trauma-informed counselling and support for domestic and family violence
It delivers training on-site, in workplaces and other community venues, to community sector and government employees, industry, volunteers, students, and others who are interested in increasing their understanding of cultural diversity support to people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
Multicultural Council of Tasmania (MCOT)
MCOT is the peak body in Tasmania, representing Tasmanians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background including refugees, international students and skilled migrants. It offers support to businesses to improve their recruitment strategies and create culturally safe workplaces for all.
Catholic Care Tasmania can assist with the specific needs of your business, identifying suitable candidates with relevant skills and experience, Job matching, pre-screening and short listing. It also has upskilling and training opportunities for employees, access to work experience programs, cultural awareness in the workplace and ongoing placement support.
Settlement considerations
Settling into a new workplace and community can be a challenging time for a new migrant. As an employer you can play a key role in easing this transition by creating a welcoming and supportive environment. Here are some suggestions:
- Employee welcome pack - preparing an employee welcome pack with information about local services, facilities and the culture of your workplace is a great way to welcome a new overseas employee into your organisation.
- Helping with family support - any support you can give, such as recommendations for schools or community groups to join, will be very helpful and help with long term retention of workers.
- Accommodation - consider how you can guide your worker to find and secure accommodation. Perhaps you can offer temporary accommodation initially until they find stable accommodation.
- Transport - your employee might need assistance travelling to and from work if they do not already have a driver’s licence or car. Consider how you can help with travel allowance, work transport, or providing information about bus services.
- Airport pick-up - when your migrant worker first arrives in Tasmania from interstate or overseas consider picking them up from the airport as a way of welcoming them to Tasmania.
- Official welcome - whether it’s a morning tea or a staff dinner, it’s important to make your new employee feel welcome and start the placement on a positive note.
- Mentor or buddy - to help your worker into a new environment, arrange for a mentor or buddy to make the transition smooth.
Workplace regulations considerations
As an employer it is important to be aware of and fulfil your employment obligations. This section will help you understand workplace regulations, rights, Awards and National Employment Standards.
Equal opportunity employer
The decision to hire must be based on the candidate’s ability to do the job. Find out more about anti-discrimination and equality at Department of Justice.
Employee health and safety
Employers should ensure that employees are safe in the workplace. It is important to inform all employees about the health and safety requirements in your workplace. More information is available at WorkSafe Tasmania.
Other useful links
Information about how workers are covered by the Fair Work Act and Migration Act