Do you have international colleagues? Here's how to help them get off to a good start

As the first thing, it caught our interviewees' attention that Danes generally start work early but also leave early.

That part is understandable. But what follows raises greater wonder:

There is a tendency for emails to come in late in the evening. And how should they deal with that?

It can be advantageous to align expectations.

In Denmark, the job market is very flexible. There is freedom with responsibility, and it is often up to the individual how the day (and evening) should be structured.

As a manager, it can be a good idea to have a conversation about what the expectations are for work and personal life.

It's worth remembering that SDU's International Staff Office (ISO) is ready to help with the challenges that may arise when moving here from another country. For example, they offer events about Danish culture, both inside and outside the workplace.

It may therefore be a good idea to sign up for ISO's monthly newsletter, where these events are announced. If you wish to receive the newsletter, simply write to iso@sdu.dk.

When foreigners come to Denmark and a new city, few of them already have a well-functioning network.

This means that many people miss having a social life in general.

Some of those surveyed therefore ask for help on how to meet people more easily outside of work.

Specifically, this could be help finding a good sports club or knowledge about good events in general.

As a starting point, you can consider how you can help yourself.

If you're a colleague of an employee from another country, take responsibility if you're interested. If you have good chemistry, break the ice and ask if they want to join you for something - whether it's a beer or sports.

If you're a manager, you can also consider appointing a person with extra responsibility to help new employees, who can be titled a "buddy" or something similar.

Remember that it may be a good idea to connect a new employee with both a Danish colleague and an international one.

Often, international colleagues have a different perspective on what it's like to be new, and perhaps some good experiences that can be drawn upon.

In addition to ISO's newsletter, there is also a Facebook group you can join: "SDU Staff Community".

The interviews that have been conducted indicate that housing is a significant concern. It can be challenging to navigate when searching for a place to live.

In addition, there is also everything related to work and residence permits, visas, taxes, salaries, and so on.

However, it is particularly the housing market that our international colleagues find quite complicated.

It is wise to pay particular attention to practical matters as early in the process as possible when recruiting internationally.

In this regard, there is a lot of help available from SDU's International Staff Office, which offers a wealth of useful information on their website. Find SDU’s International Staff Office website here.

Furthermore, there are also good opportunities to get help finding housing for the employee through SDU's housing office, which comes into action as soon as an employment contract has been drawn up.

The conducted interviews at The Faculty of Health Sciences also showed that it is easier to socially integrate for those who come here with their family than for those who come alone.

Many Danes have their social needs met through their families or other networks in connection with school or their children's leisure activities.

Thus, there may be a point of attention if you have a new colleague who has come to the country without a family.

It is a good idea to be aware of how the new employee fits into the staff group.

Is he or she the only one without family? Or the only one with?

Culture is difficult to change, but try to see it from their perspective and offer something appropriate.

Therefore, be extra attentive to whether you share any specific interests or commonalities aside from family.

Note, however, that the International Staff Office also offers assistance to accompanying family members - both professionally and socially.

The study also showed that there is a great difference in the culture from which the internationally hired staff comes. This can also be a challenge.

Several people explain that they are used to a relatively hierarchical system, making it difficult to act in a very different and flat hierarchy, which is more common in the Danish system.

A hypothetical example could be that one is invited home by someone who is at a "higher level". This can be a difficult situation because one may feel obliged to accept the offer.

It is a good idea to show curiosity about where the new employee comes from.

Talk to him or her about it. What do they usually do socially and professionally where they come from?

The more openly it is discussed, the easier it is to adapt.