Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of WERC.
Certain universal truths apply to all companies, no matter their size, remit, or location. One of the most evident is that people are the true drivers of business success. The right talent can transform your organization’s trajectory, so you need to make sure you can access, attract, and retain the best, wherever they may be.
For businesses in Saudi Arabia, competition is only getting stronger, so having a top team is the only way to stand out. Growing that team often includes welcoming international talent and relocating those assignees and their families.
So, how can you ensure that your sizable investment will generate returns? You need to make sure those assignees can quickly become part of the team and that they will want to remain with you for as long as possible. Achieving this is all about onboarding and cultural awareness.
Seamless Onboarding
Successful onboarding is a crucial part of the relocation process. When new team members are able to onboard seamlessly, they are more comfortable and productive. In fact, an article in the Review of Managerial Science says, “effective onboarding can lead to new hire retention by over 80% and increased productivity by more than 70%.”
On the surface, many people look at onboarding as purely related to the aspects of the job, but when it comes to starting a new role in a new location, it goes much further. The typical onboarding process includes relevant admin, workplace orientation, and goal-setting.
When onboarding during relocation, you also need to include elements that will ensure the new starter is settled at both work and home, and that any family members they bring feel the same. In these situations, the quicker the assignee and their family become positively acclimatized to their new location, the more successfully they will perform, and the longer the placement will last.
If a company has invested in hiring the right talent, its strongest return on that investment will only occur if the assignee chooses to stay for a long period, which will only happen if they feel happy, supported, and confident in a bright future.
In terms of Saudi Arabia relocation, which is a unique location with a highly diverse incoming-resident population, one of the most essential parts to ensuring success is cultural awareness.
Cultural Awareness
More than 40% of Saudi Arabia’s population are residents from around the world. With that number only set to grow rapidly and diversify in provenance, more and more people are opting to build a life in a country that could be vastly different from the one in which they grew up.
Obtaining the appropriate level of knowledge and understanding about their new home is not only essential for remaining respectful of customs and laws but also vital to creating the optimal environment in which to settle happily. It is also incredibly beneficial in the pre-relocation stages so that assignees and their families know what to expect from the moment they arrive.
Depending on where the assignee is coming from, the customs, traditions, practices, and even laws of Saudi Arabia could be very different from what they have experienced. In Saudi Arabia, for example, a major difference is the days of the week, as their weekend is Friday and Saturday, and the first day of the new work week is Sunday. It is also customary for people to wear more conservative dress, and during the holy month of Ramadan, even those who aren’t fasting must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum in public. Having reliable, relevant guidance on what to be aware of and how to avoid offending others or incurring penalties can make all the difference.
The Right Training
The effectiveness of any cultural awareness training is directly correlated to its delivery and its details. The content needs to be thorough, up-to-date, and relatable. The facilitators need to be prepared to answer even the most nuanced of questions. Assignees not only need to feel fully briefed on what to expect and practice in the workplace and in life, but they also need to feel secure enough to ask any type of question, so they aren’t caught unawares. The information also needs to be as current as possible. Many prospective assignees might have outdated preconceptions about Saudi Arabia that could wrongly influence their decision-making or approach. Being able to relay both the modern advancements and the rich traditions of the country will further help to avoid confusion, issues, or even penalties.
That is why it is so important to work with a trusted partner to create a tailored cultural awareness training program for your assignees. When your cultural awareness training reflects the specific information required for your industry and area, as well as accommodating the assignees’ existing knowledge base, it is infinitely more effective and useful. It’s important that all assignees have a deep understanding of local values and etiquette so they have the confidence to connect and engage with new colleagues and friends.
Training should be designed to bridge cultural gaps and help assignees adapt to local life and build trust with the right business communication approach and an overview of key dos and don’ts. One assignee our team worked with was very excited about his new role in Saudi Arabia but was worried about how his family would adapt. Our team had a series of pre-arrival calls with the assignee and his wife, listening to their needs and concerns, which allowed them to make thoughtful recommendations, especially on where to live and which schools would suit their children. Four years later, the whole family is thriving in Riyadh and will be calling the city home for many years to come.
Saudi Arabia is a land of opportunity, especially for businesses that mirror its ambition and innovative spirit. Taking advantage of the potential in this dynamic destination centers on the right ideas and the right people. This means you need to be able to recruit from anywhere in the world and know that no matter where they come from, the best talent for your company will have the support and resources they need to settle, succeed, and thrive.