How do you get an international talent to stay?

Zoltan Toth, the CEO of Fodesco Oy in Kontiolahti, originally came to Finland to study, and he has now been enjoying his new home country for twenty years. Hungarian-based Toth has first-hand experience of the challenges foreign workers face when settling in Finland.

"The first two or three years were really tough. As a foreigner, it was difficult to get a job, and the whole livelihood depended on it. I would have gotten along well in English, but it didn't seem to be enough," he says.

In the field of foreign language and culture, forming social relationships can be challenging. That is why it is important for international employees to be involved in joint activities outside working hours as well.

Jonathan Murphy, who works as a customer mentor at the City of Turku, recognizes the importance of community. She has built her own network of relationships through hobbies and shared leisure activities. They have helped not only to balance working life, but also to train his Finnish skills.

"Integration into Finnish society is connected to all aspects of life, both work and leisure," Murphy sums up.

Learning a new language is a process that requires time and resources. According to Murphy, it is advisable to use Finnish boldly in everyday situations, when language skills are trained almost unnoticed.

“Depending on the situation, you can use either your own native language, Finnish, or a mixture of these. In my day-to-day life, I speak Finnish and English mixed up,” he says.

Toth compares language learning to investing. Studying the Finnish language requires investments, but the benefits of learning make life significantly easier.

“If you want to do well here, you must learn to speak Finnish. When you only speak English and live in your own bubble, there is a risk that you end up thinking about a backup plan and leaving the country,” Toth emphasizes.

Murphy has experienced useful support from his employer with challenges related to language barriers, among other things. Anticipation and an adaptive work community have helped him adjust to his role.

“If we have a meeting in a couple of days, we can send you an agenda in advance, which includes the language of the meeting in addition to the topics to be discussed. It gives the non-native speaker time to prepare and review the related vocabulary,” he says.

In addition to a pleasant working atmosphere, the employer should also pay attention to supporting the rest of life. In fact, the closest colleagues and foremen should be sensitive to issues that weigh on the employee's mind. Listening and providing help are a natural part of a functional interaction.

Despite the challenges, both Toth and Murphy have enjoyed themselves in Finland.

“I am happy that my experience with the Finnish workplace has been very positive. Together we have succeeded in creating a working culture where each of us can do our best," Murphy says.