Toolbox for employers

Retain

Retaining international talent

Retaining international talent is about more than hiring the right person – it is about creating the conditions for a sustainable life and a meaningful everyday experience. When integration, language support and social inclusion work well, both engagement and the willingness to stay and grow within the organisation increase.

Here we have gathered materials that can support you and your organisation in developing a long-term and sustainable strategy for retaining international talent.

Tips

  1. Start with a well-planned and structured onboarding process that gives new employees a strong foundation.
  2. Before the first, send a welcoming e-mail to your new employee. You can find inspiration here.
  3. Offer paid time off for training and initiatives that support mental health and overall wellbeing.
  4. Create regular social activities in the workplace, such as shared lunches, after-work events, games or other community-building activities.
  5. Introduce a mentorship programme where new employees are paired with an experienced colleague for support in the early stages.
  6. Develop a clear plan for training and skills development.
  7. Ensure there is a structured plan for training and skills development that is followed up over time.
  8. Work actively with transparency and an open culture where employees are encouraged to share ideas, ask questions and request feedback.

Community and network

Joining networks, communities and local activities can be a valuable way for international employees to build connections, feel at home and get to know life in Sweden – both professionally and socially.

As an employer, you can support this by sharing relevant networks that are specifically aimed at international talent:

  • Great minds
  • High Coast International Hub

In addition to these, there are many local clubs, associations and activities open to everyone that can help people build a social life and practise Swedish in everyday settings. These can include:

  • Sports and physical activities such as football, volleyball or dancing
  • Creative interests like music, crafts or learning a new skill
  • Volunteer organisations and initiatives connected to social causes or community engagement

There is something for everyone, and small tips from an employer can make a big difference in helping new employees feel connected and settled.

Discovering our region

Exploring the region is an important part of helping international employees feel at home, discover their surroundings and build a life outside of work. As an employer, you can play a key role by sharing places, activities and inspiration from across the Sundsvall & High Coast region.

For more inspiration about what to see, do and experience in the area, you can refer to:

There is a lot to discover, and even small recommendations from an employer can help new employees feel more connected to both place and community from the very beginning.