Context

The ‘war for talent’ in a globalized world is stronger than ever, and the need for skilled employees is increasing, especially due to the demographic change in Tyrol. Young Professionals are not necessarily staying in their home region or even home country but are open to move to progress their career while also seeking a strong work-life balance.

For Tyrol as a region, this offers a strong opportunity to attract and retain highly skilled international employees within the local companies. While the benefits of the region are obviously manifold, with a very attractive offer for outdoor activities, a strong social security & health care system, and a central location in Europe, there are some challenges to solve especially with regards to the social and cultural integration of international employees to the Tyrolean community.

Therefore, an initiative led by the “Lebensraum Tirol” decided to partner up with the University of Innsbruck to foster innovative solutions tackling this issue through different means.

Master students at the University of Innsbruck conducted interviews with the target group and did a netnography research to identify the needs, thoughts, and pain points of international employees that have recently moved to Tyrol and synthesized the results. Now, we are entering the solution space where we are looking for feasible and innovative concepts and ideas. Therefore, we want YOU as part of our crowd to contribute your thoughts and external perspectives to this project.

Study on the onboarding experience of international employees in Tyrol

Key findings and issues with regards to the social and cultural integration of international employees:

• Language / dialect barriers as the most prevalent driver for social integration issues, making it hard to connect with colleagues and the broader community
• Tyrolean community considered as relatively closed and introverted making it difficult to integrate into their culture and circles
• Notable distinction between German-speakers (DACH + South Tyrol) and other internationals, primarily due to the higher language barriers and greater disparity of culture and values of internationals

Other findings

1. Work permit, legal requirements, and regulations
The most significant challenge in this category was the visa process. Respondents found the work permit to be a time-consuming and costly endeavor, marked by excessive bureaucracy. However, some appreciated employer support, including assistance through communication channels and individual efforts.
2. Health and childcare
Navigating the healthcare system and finding suitable childcare options were noted as considerable challenges. The search for available doctors, coupled with the complexities of dealing with insurance companies, proved to be time-consuming and stressful for many respondents.
3. Housing and Cost of Living
Securing affordable and centrally located housing in Tyrol posed a significant hurdle for international employees. Concerns about the high cost of living in comparison to their home countries led to uncertainties about balancing income and expenses for both individuals and their families.

Conclusion:
The study sheds light on the multifaceted challenges faced by international employees during the critical onboarding period in Tyrol. Recommendations may include targeted support programs, language integration initiatives, and streamlined processes for work permits. Addressing these challenges will not only enhance the overall experience of international employees but also contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and welcoming environment in Tyrol.