Unspoken Skills and Tactics: Essentials for Immigrant Professionals in Integration to Workplace Culture

Abstract

Skilled workers and their dependents are the largest group of economic immigrants in Canada. Their labour market integration is critical for immigrant well-being as well as host country economic productivity. However, immigrant professionals face significant barriers to workplace integration, including unfamiliarity with workplace norms and practices. Participants of this study described challenges related to workplace communication and interactions, adaptation to new workplace cultures, recognition of qualifications and experience, and professional outcomes. They identified general professional values, skills, and capacities, and communication and relationships perceived as essential for workplace integration. Strategies for supporting workplace integration included continuing learning and education, training on cultural diversity and workplace skills, professional field experience, and professional mentorship. These findings have implications for practice and policies facilitating the workplace integration of immigrant professionals in Canada, including training and mentorship approaches.

Authors: Daniel W. L. Lai,Janki Shankar,Ernest Khalema Publication Date: 8/1/2017

Publication Type: Journal Article

Notes

Location

Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta

Key recommendations

Training opportunities for immigrant professionals (including fast-track and short-term programs); Increased opportunities for field training and professional mentorship; soft-skill training (workplace communication and relationships, teamwork, leadership, management and office etiquette); Cultural diversity training for employers and workplaces

Key populations

Immigrant professionals (Permanent Residents)who entered Canada as economic immigrants

Key findings

Participants identify key challenges to labour market integration in Canada including: language and communication barriers; challenges with co-worker and managers; change in professional role/opportunities and job security

Gaps identified

The study suggests that immigrant professionals need further education and training on both Canadian norms/workplace culture, and also skill-specific training (i.e. computer software etc.); more training re: workplace culture and diversity (also training for employers re: diversity); opportunities for professional field training; opportunities for professional mentorship

Community organizations

Integration timeline

At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?

Open-access – No

ISBN: 1488-3473

Research Library

Unspoken Skills and Tactics: Essentials for Immigrant Professionals in Integration to Workplace Culture

Abstract