7. Nordic learnings and conclusions

This report provides insights into employers’ experiences with the integration of immigrants into the Nordic labour market. Despite the various challenges highlighted, there is a prevailing consensus among the employers interviewed in this study that the long-term advantages of employing immigrants outweigh the initial challenges, particularly given the labour shortages in numerous sectors. Furthermore, the employers note that the integration process often tends to be smoother than initially anticipated.

As such, fostering employers’ awareness about the advantages of workforce diversity is crucial. Promoting understanding of the benefits that come from collaborating with intermediary organisations and utilizing national wage subsidies is equally important. As noted by one of the employers interviewed in this study:

The opportunity lies in changing the culture – seeing people who are far from the labour market as a resource. The more we see opportunities instead of obstacles, the better it is.

Key learnings for public-sector and intermediary organisations

Promote cross-sectoral collaboration

To ensure a robust integration process, close collaboration between the public sector (Public Employment Services and municipalities), civil society and the private sector is imperative. Immigrants’ voices and needs should be at the centre, along with the needs of local employers. This collaboration could help bridge the gap between public services, NGOs and companies.

Challenge negative narratives

Public actors, NGOs and staffing agencies could play an important role in highlighting businesses’ success stories regarding the benefits of hiring immigrants (emphasising, e.g. greater flexibility and work dedication). This can motivate other employers, especially those who are sceptical, to follow.

Provide comprehensive guidance

Information on the benefits of hiring immigrants, and on existing support initiatives and wage subsidies, should be enhanced and made more accessible by public-sector and intermediary organisations. While some sectors are inherently more inclined to hire immigrants due to labour shortages, outreach efforts should be made towards various industries to encourage inclusive hiring practices. Here, staffing companies could play an important role.

Key learnings for employers

‘Just try it’

Often, the experience is smoother than anticipated. As several employers stated, the best approach is often just to dive in and try.

Nurture a culture of diversity

Dedicated leadership that fosters cultural diversity and patience, especially with those still learning the local language, is invaluable. Allocating resources to mentorship and investing time in nurturing cultural understanding and addressing diversity issues are critical. This is important for overcoming potential scepticism or prejudices among employees, and for helping migrant workers understand the local culture, work ethic, safety requirements, etc.

Strengthen community engagement

Stronger ties with the local community can enhance employee wellbeing and establish a sense of belonging, thereby increasing the likelihood that immigrants will stay.

Foster professional growth

It is very important to encourage immigrants to continually develop their skills and seek more advanced roles. Some companies, such as Scandic Pelagic and McDonald’s, have showcased how growth opportunities can significantly benefit both the employee and the organisation. Managers with immigrant background can serve as important role models for other employees.

Address language barriers

Language barriers are among the biggest challenges for employers. Having patience for the process of language learning, offering language training on the job (with public-sector support) and engaging interpreters or mediators (e.g. colleagues with the same mother tongue) are possible ways to overcome these challenges. See Text Box 6 for more examples.

Collaborate with intermediary organisations

Engage with foundations, staffing companies and other intermediary entities that specialise in integrating immigrants into the workforce. These organisations offer advisory services on effective hiring and can also handle administrative responsibilities, easing the integration process for both employers and employees.