Inside the minds of Ukrainian workers

cultural competence

We Interviewed Lisa Who Works For A Staffing Company Assisting With Hiring And Supporting Ukrainians

Lisa, with Ukrainian roots, is an agent of a staffing company that assists Finnish companies in hiring and supporting Ukrainian job seekers who typically hold a temporary asylum status. She has a unique opportunity to see and hear the things employees would not know how to communicate to HR or managers, or would not want to.

We had the opportunity to interview Lisa and gain inside information about the thinking and fears of Ukrainian job seekers who have come to Europe seeking asylum and employment opportunities.

Her role is multifaceted and involves a range of responsibilities from communicating with Ukrainian refugees to determine their qualifications and suitability for specific roles. Lisa also works closely with employers, facilitating the organization of training and internships for Ukrainian refugees, as well as assisting in their preparation for work.

What are the visible and non-visible barriers for Ukrainians in employment?

“As someone who has worked closely with Ukrainian job seekers seeking employment in Finland, I’ve observed several common barriers they face.

One of the most significant challenges is the language barrier. Many Ukrainians lack proficiency in Finnish (or English), and this can make communication challenging in job interviews, or with coworkers and supervisors. Additionally, some Ukrainians have an unfounded fear of interacting with locals, despite the fact that many Finns are eager to help and support these workers.

The language barrier, combined with the non-recognition of Ukrainian diplomas and education by Finnish employers, can limit Ukrainian workers to more simple jobs than they are used to. Many tend to overestimate the value of their professional experience, skills, and knowledge for the local needs. This can make it difficult for them to properly understand their current market value in the local labor market, leading to the need for further investment in updating their qualifications.

Another significant barrier for Ukrainian job seekers in making employment moves is the fear of negative financial consequences of employment, such as losing social assistance and housing if they relocate for a new job. It is important to keep in mind that individuals who have fled their country due to war prioritize security and safety as their top concern. Many worry about losing social assistance and housing if they relocate for a new job, which can make them hesitant to pursue employment opportunities. This is especially challenging because Ukrainian workers are often unfamiliar with the local legislation and job market, and they may not be sure if they will be a good fit for their new employer.

Finally, I’ve seen cases where job seekers have overstated expectations of very high wage levels. These high salary expectations can also lead to job seekers rejecting offers that could potentially lead to career growth or refusing to consider jobs that may not align with their ideal salary range.

In summary, Ukrainian job seekers in Finland face several barriers to employment, including the language barrier, non-recognition of their qualifications, fear of negative financial consequences, social security concerns, and unrealistic salary expectations, which can limit their career opportunities and make it challenging to find suitable employment.”

What advice do you give to a Ukrainian for their first job interviews in a foreign country?

“My advice is to take into account the local mentality and culture and try to adapt your behavior accordingly.

In Finland, being modest and being ‘yourself’ can be helpful, and it’s important not to overemphasize your merits during the interview process. Finnish employers value candidates who show a willingness to learn and enthusiasm while on the job.

Additionally, it’s essential to properly assess the salary levels in the country or region and be realistic about your expectations.”

What have the Ukrainian job seekers told you about their first experiences at Finnish workplaces in comparison with their Ukrainian experience?

“Ukrainian job seekers have observed a high level of work ethics on all employee levels in Finnish workplaces and that company management treats employees with a more respectful attitude.

Furthermore, Ukrainian job seekers have informed me that the system for training workers is more advanced in Finland compared to Ukraine.

They have also paid attention to the worker rights being much better protected in Finland. This is attributed to the presence of trade unions that play a vital role, and a serious system of social payments in place.”

What else do you need to explain specifically to Ukrainians about their new country?

“When coming to a new country, it is important to understand what people value and how they think in that culture. In Finland, it is important for Ukrainians to understand that the Finnish culture places high value on paying taxes quite happily and contributing to the welfare system which provides many excellent services for its members, and corruption is not tolerated in any form.

They also need to be aware that Finland is a country where individuals are expected to take responsibility for their own lives and decisions, and job candidates are evaluated based on their modesty and willingness to work hard.

It’s also important for Ukrainians to understand that there is no social hierarchy in Finland -everyone is equal.”

As someone who has lived in Finland for 20 years, what are your 3 main pieces of advice to newcomers who get employed in a local company?

Learn a foreign language, preferably Finnish, but English can also be helpful.
Upgrade your professional skills to meet local standards, as your education diplomas are not usually accepted by employers.
Treat everyone with the same respect, regardless of their job status, as everyone is considered equal in this country.

What managers and companies hiring Ukrainians should take away from this

Here are the key things that we think every manager should note:

Alleviate fears and concerns. To create a welcoming environment for Ukrainian refugees seeking employment, managers should educate themselves on their employment and social security benefits. This builds trust and confidence, encouraging Ukrainians to take on job opportunities with peace of mind.

Learn about Ukrainian culture. To improve communication, motivation, and understanding with new Ukrainian employees, managers should educate themselves on Ukrainian culture and its key differences from their own. This will empower you to provide better support and avoid cultural misunderstandings.

So what’s next? Start learning today!

It’s one thing to read about it, and it’s another to take action to give your Managers the tools to implement this new knowledge.

You could have a big meeting, create new processes, and hope it all works or…

You can get direct support.

Join our Online workshop for bridging the gap between European and Ukrainian work cultures

In 90 minutes, you’ll get actionable tools you can use with your team to integrate your new hires and get the best out of them. Learn more HERE