Cultural training is often one of the most underestimated aspects of a successful relocation. While many companies are laser-focused on logistical considerations—securing a visa, finding housing, sorting out schools—there’s one element that can make or break the success of a relocation: cultural adaptation. In today’s global business landscape, cultural training should be considered just as essential as any other aspect of the relocation process.
Let’s face it, moving to a new country or region isn’t just about swapping your home address. It’s about stepping into a new world, with its own customs, business practices, and social expectations. For employees, this transition can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s often a lot to manage—so why not set them and their families up for success with the right tools?
Why Cultural Training Matters
Cultural training is so much more than providing a list of cultural dos and don’ts. It’s about creating an environment where employees and their families feel informed, prepared, and empowered to settle in and succeed. So, why should you prioritise cultural training for employees relocating abroad?
- Prevents Miscommunication: Misunderstandings are common when different cultural norms collide. What might be considered normal in one culture could be seen as inappropriate or even disrespectful in another. Providing employees and their families with cultural awareness training helps them avoid these pitfalls before they arise.
- Boosts Confidence: Relocating to a new country can feel daunting. The fear of being “the outsider” in a new place can be paralysing for many. But when employees and their families receive cultural training, they feel better equipped to handle unfamiliar situations. It gives them a sense of control and confidence, which, in turn, helps them thrive in their new environment.
- Enhances Integration: Integration goes beyond simply finding your way around the office. Cultural training helps employees understand local customs, business etiquette, and social practices. Meanwhile, families benefit from insights into school cultures, local parenting norms, and social expectations, helping them settle in more easily.
- Improves Long-Term Success: It’s not just about settling in during the first few weeks. Cultural training sets the stage for long-term success by ensuring employees and their families understand ongoing expectations and nuances. This can lead to smoother professional relationships, enhanced job satisfaction, and ultimately, a more successful international assignment.
The Cost of Failed Assignments
International assignments fail more often than companies would like to admit, and cultural integration is one of the biggest reasons. Studies suggest that between 20% and 50% of international assignments end prematurely, often due to difficulties adjusting to a new culture. The costs of a failed assignment are substantial—both financially and reputationally.
- Financial Losses: A failed relocation can cost an organisation anywhere from two to five times the employee’s annual salary once you factor in relocation expenses, lost productivity, and recruitment costs for a replacement.
- Family Struggles: One of the most overlooked reasons for failed assignments is family dissatisfaction. If a partner or children struggle to integrate—whether due to language barriers, an unfamiliar school system, or social isolation—the employee is more likely to cut the assignment short.
- Employee Disengagement: Employees who struggle to adapt to a new culture may become disengaged and frustrated. If their families are also struggling to settle in, this can add additional pressure. The longer this goes on, the more likely they are to leave the company, resulting in increased recruitment and training costs.
- Misaligned Expectations: Employees without cultural training may unknowingly clash with local teams or clients. These misalignments can hinder productivity, cause tension, and damage relationships that took years to build.
- Decreased Productivity: If employees are constantly worried about their cultural missteps or feel unsupported, their performance will likely suffer. If their families struggle to adapt, it can lead to added stress, making it harder for them to focus on work. Cultural training ensures that employees can hit the ground running, ultimately leading to better results for the business.
A well-designed cultural training programme significantly reduces these risks by preparing both the employee and their family for the transition, helping them settle in more effectively and stay for the long haul.
What Does a Cultural Training Programme Include?
A well-structured cultural training programme is a critical investment that benefits both the employee, their family, and the business. These programmes often cover a range of topics designed to ensure they are fully prepared for the cultural and professional shifts they will experience.
Typical cultural training programmes include:
- Understanding Local Business Etiquette: Every country has its own set of business norms. From how to greet colleagues to how decisions are made, knowing what’s expected in the workplace is essential. Employees will learn how to navigate meetings, understand hierarchy, and approach negotiations in culturally appropriate ways.
- Cultural Awareness: Beyond the workplace, employees and their families are introduced to the social customs, traditions, and behaviours common in their new country. This might include guidance on greetings, dining etiquette, dress codes, and other social nuances that ensure they can adapt quickly and avoid cultural faux pas.
- Language Training: While learning the local language isn’t always essential, basic language training can be invaluable. Even a rudimentary understanding of key phrases can help employees build stronger relationships, reduce feelings of isolation, and boost their confidence when engaging with locals. For families, language skills help children settle into school and make new friends more easily.
- Problem-Solving Strategies: Training often includes practical tips on how to approach challenges in a new cultural environment. Whether it’s overcoming feelings of homesickness, learning how to ask for help, or navigating communication barriers, these programmes help employees and their families feel more resilient.
- Local Legal and Social Norms: Understanding the legal landscape—whether it’s work regulations, employee rights, or social laws—can significantly improve an employee’s ability to settle in and avoid mistakes. These training sessions offer an overview of important legal frameworks and rights they should be aware of. Families also benefit from understanding tenancy laws, healthcare systems, and schooling requirements.
By including these elements, a cultural training programme equips employees and their families with everything they need to succeed in their new environment.
A Competitive Edge for Organisations
The value of cultural training extends beyond individual employees. It’s a strategic tool that can give businesses a competitive advantage, particularly in a globalised marketplace. Organisations with culturally competent teams can navigate international negotiations, communicate across borders, and build stronger relationships with both clients and colleagues.
By offering tailored cultural training, businesses are better positioned to:
- Enhance Global Operations: In our interconnected world, understanding cultural differences is essential for effective management. Leaders who are equipped with cross-cultural knowledge can inspire their teams, improve decision-making, and steer international operations towards success.
- Drive Innovation: When employees from diverse cultural backgrounds come together, they bring unique perspectives that can spark innovation. Training them to recognise and appreciate these differences can create an inclusive environment where ideas flow freely and collaboration thrives.
- Increase Retention: Employees and their families who feel supported in their cultural integration are more likely to stay with a company long-term. Providing cultural training can reduce turnover rates and help businesses retain valuable talent in a competitive market.
Final Thoughts on Cultural Training for a Successful Relocation
Cultural training is more than just a ‘nice to have’—it’s an investment in the success of both the individual employee, their family, and the broader organisation. Many believe it’s a mistake to focus only on the logistics and overlook the importance of cultural integration. By offering employees and their families the tools to understand, respect, and thrive in their new environment, companies can ensure smoother transitions, improve employee satisfaction, and even gain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.
Organisations which take the time to invest in cultural training not only create more supportive environments for their employees but also enhance their business outcomes in the long run. In the global workforce, cultural understanding is what sets the most successful companies apart from the rest.
Speak to one of our experts or send a message today and find out how we can support your employee relocation programmes.
