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Integration of Employees from Different Cultures – How to Build Cohesive Teams?

  • dariafulei
  • 8 hours ago
  • 3 min read

The Polish labor market is becoming increasingly international. In companies and temporary employment agencies, more and more people from Ukraine, Georgia, India, the Philippines, and Nepal are working together. Cultural diversity brings fresh ideas and new perspectives, but also challenges – from language barriers to differences in work styles and communication methods.


Why is intercultural integration crucial?

International teams are more creative and flexible, but they require conscious management. Without proper integration, communication difficulties, misunderstandings, and feelings of exclusion can arise. According to the EWL Group report “Migrants in Polish Companies 2024,” as many as 56% of companies employing foreigners in Poland invest in language courses, 40% provide formal support, and 33% organize integration meetings – because integration is now part of strategy, not just an addition.


As EWL Group emphasizes: “Understanding cultural differences, rather than avoiding them, is the first step toward creating a team that truly works together.”
As EWL Group emphasizes: “Understanding cultural differences, rather than avoiding them, is the first step toward creating a team that truly works together.”

Teams made up of people from different cultures are more creative, flexible, and open to innovation. However, without proper integration, challenges can occur – language barriers, lack of understanding of different work styles, and even feelings of exclusion.

Challenges in International Teams

According to Mental Benefits, a cohesive team is not only about shared goals but also about trust, respect, and a sense of belonging. Common challenges include language barriers and communication differences, different approaches to hierarchy and decision-making, lack of knowledge of local rules, stereotypes, biases, and ethnocentric attitudes. Therefore, integration in an international team requires conscious actions from leaders and employers.

How to Effectively Integrate Employees from Different Cultures?

1. Common Language and Communication

Regular meetings, simple communication, and availability of materials in multiple languages help overcome barriers. Language training and multilingual materials are becoming standard in international companies.


2. Intercultural Education

Training on cultural differences develops empathy and awareness, teaching employees how to understand different work styles and values. It also helps them respond better in conflict situations and strengthens teamwork.


3. Adaptive Support

Assistance with formalities, accommodation, and introduction to local culture accelerates adaptation and increases engagement of new employees. Such support minimizes relocation stress and helps them reach full efficiency faster.


4. Integration and Shared Activities

A cohesive team is built through joint projects, meetings, and initiatives. These activities build trust, improve communication, and openness to cultural differences fosters creativity.


5. Culture of Respect and Equality

A multicultural environment requires clear rules and responses to any form of discrimination. Leaders should set an example of openness and support a culture of dialogue.


6. Role of Employers and Agencies

Temporary employment agencies and employers today act as integrators – creating conditions in which every employee, regardless of background, feels part of the team. A holistic approach from recruitment to daily communication is key to success.


Agencies play a vital role in connecting employers with employees from different cultures and supporting them in collaboration. They provide not only recruitment but also formal support, on-boarding, and language and organizational assistance. This helps new employees adapt faster while employers gain a stable, prepared team. Agencies also help resolve misunderstandings and ensure effective communication, becoming partners who actively support integration and the creation of an effective, cohesive work environment.

Intercultural integration is a pillar of modern management. Teams based on trust and openness are more engaged, creative, and resilient to crises. Companies that invest in education, communication, and joint activities build not only a better work environment but also a lasting competitive advantage.

“A cohesive team doesn’t form by itself – it must be built, understood, and nurtured.”

— Mental Benefits

 
 
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