How do I successfully integrate trainees and employees of different nationalities into my company?

Where might there be potential for conflict and misunderstandings in communication due to the different cultural backgrounds?

The topic is current: many companies are increasingly employing staff from abroad or are considering how they can support refugees in their integration into the world of work, e.g. through internships or apprenticeships. It is not uncommon for “worlds to collide” in day-to-day interaction.

If integration is to be successful for everyone, it is important for both sides to develop an understanding of the cultural background of the other, to know other communication patterns and to defuse potential conflicts at an early stage.

Would you like to take off your “German cultural glasses” and find out why your employees, trainees, colleagues or interns from abroad react very differently in certain situations than you expect? In this training, you will not only learn how certain behaviors can be explained, but also how to think about and reflect on your own “typical German” behavior patterns and expectations.

Content

• Definition of culture, influences and impact
• Cultural models
• Perception and values
• Greetings, etiquette and small talk
• Body language and culture
• Stereotypes and prejudices
• What is culture shock and how can you avoid it?
• Communication: recognizing and avoiding misunderstandings in communication
• Conflict management: recognizing and handling conflicts:
• Potential for conflict; honor & code of ethics; responses to conflict
• Saving face: Conflict resolution strategies
• Summary of key learnings and feedback

Benefits

• Raising awareness of cultural differences and avoiding misunderstandings
• Promoting openness, respect and appreciation for diversity
• Improving internal communication and collaboration
• Increasing attractiveness as an employer for international specialists
• Preparation for the demands of an increasingly globalized working world

Methods

• Presentation and discussion/ brainstorming in plenary
• Feedback explanations and discussion in plenary
• Analysis of case studies
• Inclusion of case studies experienced by the participants
• Group work
• Role plays
• Participant-oriented reflections
• Video clips
• Interactive exercises
• Breakout sessions

Note on the times

• As a virtual workshop: 9 am – 12 pm and 2 pm – 5 pm
• As an in-house measure: 9 am – 5 pm incl. lunch break and coffee breaks

Number of participants: 3 to max. 10

You can book the training as an in-house measure or as virtual training. If there are more than two participants, we can also schedule an open training course according to your wishes. Please enquire about the options using the registration form below.

Training languages: Arabic, German, English or French