The job market is as competitive as ever and German employers are facing increasing difficulties in filling positions with local talent alone. Data suggests that in 2023, 50% of the 22,000 surveyed companies had problems filling employment gaps.A s the need for skilled workers continues to grow, businesses can’t afford to overlook the potential of hiring from abroad.
The answer is simple: Opt for Hiring international staff. However, that’s easier said than done. How do you identify talent? How to hire the right candidates? What are the regulations you need to address when tapping into the European blue-collar workforce? Let’s find out.
Is Hiring International Staff Worth It?
Despite the fact that opening up for international recruitment has resulted in the growth of many businesses, some German employers remain hesitant to do so (especially non-EU citizens) and question whether it’s worth it. Several reasons contribute to that.
Language Barrier
The fear that communication issues could hamper productivity holds many back. This is very common among German employers, where knowledge of the local language is required for most roles, even if it isn’t necessary for the job.
This requirement alone significantly narrows down the pool of potential candidates, and as a result, many vacancies across Germany remain unfilled. The truth is, English is usually more than sufficient for effective communication in most blue-collar positions.
If only this condition were relaxed, many qualified workers from across Europe could easily integrate into the German labour market.
Legal Complexities
While it’s true that international hiring comes with its own set of challenges, including navigating residential and work permits, these are far from impossible to overcome.
With the right recruitment partner, these processes can be streamlined, making them easier than many employers initially believe. Top recruitment agencies can get ahold of all needed documentation for EU candidates within 15 minutes.
Relocation and Integration
Relocation logistics and ensuring a smooth transition for international hires are valid concerns both for candidates and companies, if they are unfamiliar with international hiring.
A common misconception is that employers must handle logistics themselves when it comes to hiring international staff. On the contrary, there are international employment agencies specialising in helping workers settle abroad and organise their accommodation and transportation.
Your job boils down to finding a trustworthy recruitment agency that will take care of all the logistics for you.
The “Worth It” Factor
While challenges in international recruitment exist, they also offer a chance to strengthen the company’s culture, broaden the team’s perspectives, and improve adaptability and problem-solving skills across the board.
We’ll show you the benefits of an international team for your company, as well as how we solve any challenges that might occur for German companies that join Hire Abroad.
What Can Hiring International Staff Do for Your Company?
There’s more to opening up to international recruitment than filling immediate vacancies. Hiring global talent brings many benefits, including improved performance and strong employer branding.
Qualified Talent for Jobs in Remote Locations
Germany is considered one of the most favorable countries to work abroad among international workers. With a years-long reputation, global talent is willing to work even in the less populated areas of the country, where massive companies often struggle to fill vacancies with local talent alone.
German employers can take a page from the Dutch book here: consider the Flevoland region in the Netherlands, where massive new greenhouses have been built, attracting a significant number of international workers to apply and work in these positions.
Similarly, new warehouses focused on online shops often choose locations with sparse populations. In such areas, foreign workers play a pivotal role in bridging the gap big employers create in the labour market.
Motivation and Clear Focus
There are several benefits to hiring international expertise. Foreign workers tend to be more motivated than local talent. They usually have a specific financial goal in mind, which is a critical factor in their decision to take a significant step and move abroad. As a result, they are more committed to the job and less prone to failure, making this motivation a valuable asset for German employers.
Hiring International Staff: Diversity on the Work Floor
The advantage of cultural diversity within an organisation cannot be overstated. Beyond the well-known benefits of increased creativity and team adaptability, international workers bring unique perspectives and sets of skills, which can prove invaluable in the long run.
From being able to stay open during traditional holidays to getting firsthand insights on a market you want to expand into, there are various examples of how an international team improves the company’s culture and performance.
Tap Into the European Market with Hire Abroad
Hire Abroad is a global platform that connects recruiters, employers, and job seekers, allowing all parties involved to streamline the recruitment process and achieve positive outcomes.
With a decade of experience and with over 40,000 satisfied candidates who went abroad to work at our trusted partners in Germany, Belgium, or the Netherlands, we can help employers get the best talent for their vacancies.
Access the Vast Network of Recruiters
Having access to a large network of recruiters capable of sourcing the right candidates from all across Europe is essential. German employers often have strict hiring criteria, such as fluency in German and the necessity of having a driving license.
You need a broad network of recruiters and an extensive candidate database to find individuals who meet these requirements, and Hire Abroad plays a crucial role in facilitating this process.
Enjoy Cost-effective and Streamlined Recruitment
Hire Abroad makes it easy to minimise recruitment costs and find the best candidates for your vacancies. All you have to do is send us your job opening, and we will handle the rest.
This includes translating and distributing your vacancies to recruiters in 14 European countries. Thanks to an automated matching system, recruiters can pitch job seekers who perfectly fit your position.
You can always review the status of your vacancy while you wait to receive all the necessary documents to create a contract and prepare for the candidate’s arrival. Once everything is completed, get ready to welcome your new colleagues.
Pave Your Way for the Internationalisation of the Company
With Hire Abroad, you can easily broaden your company’s international reach, as we don’t limit our candidate search to a specific country but explore talent all over Europe. And having a rich international culture, you can easily attract new international workers and help establish your company’s global employer branding.
Follow the Steps of German Employers Already Hiring from Abroad
If you’re new to hiring from abroad or working with a recruitment agency, it helps to hear the stories of those already there. Our dear partner, Fitshop– a retail warehouse in Germany, shared her referral after two years of working with us:
“We started working with Hire Abroad in March 2022. From the selection process to the introductory talks and up to the arrival and hiring, we felt very well cared for and supported. After almost two years of (so far only) Spanish colleagues in Germany, we can say that the integration has worked well, and the project is a complete success. We can recommend Hire Abroad with a clear conscience.”
Way Forward for German Employers
To recruit international talent effectively, German employers need to reconsider their requirements and focus on what’s truly essential for the job.
Reassessing Hiring Requirements
Go back to the basics if you’re looking to hire new employees. Identify the truly important requirements and discard those that aren’t needed. Avoid overly strict criteria; instead, focus on a broader pool of talented individuals and select those who align with your business needs.
Outsourcing Non-Core Business Functions
Focus on your core business and try to outsource all the side activities to other companies that can do it more efficiently and, therefore, more cost-effectively. You can manage more tasks with fewer people and prepare the business for future growth.
Consider how much collaborating with a recruitment agency that specialises in international hiring can streamline the process. An agency can help navigate any complexities, including legal and logistical challenges.
Offering Relocation Support
Offering support with logistics like housing and transportation can make a significant difference for your company. Assisting with these and helping workers integrate into the new role and the country can make your company stand out to international candidates.
Employer Branding and Preparing for the Future
In a globalised job market, German businesses must view themselves as more than just employers—they are ambassadors of their country. Similarly, the country’s reputation influences the interest of international workers in moving and working there.
To attract blue-collar workers, employers need to create compelling value propositions, especially when salaries in other countries such as the Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark are higher.
That said, relying solely on the German industrial sector’s strong reputation may no longer be sufficient. Instead, businesses should focus on offering attractive conditions such as housing, competitive salaries, and transportation.
Changing the language requirement may also help younger generations opt for Germany. Truth is, more people speak English and choosing that as the primary workspace language can go a long way in making German vacancies more attractive and accessible.
Find Qualified Talent on Hire Abroad
International recruitment is no longer just an option but a necessity for German companies looking to grow and compete on a global scale. The benefits are evident, from filling immediate vacancies to improving workplace productivity.
However, the process can seem daunting without the right partner. Hire Abroad is here to guide you through every step, from reevaluating your hiring criteria to ensuring a smooth transition for your international hires.
If you are ready to explore international hiring, contact Hire Abroad today to discuss how we can help you expand your workforce and achieve your business goals.
