JAM’s Post

Passionate about aquaculture? Me too! 🐟 I’m thrilled to share my journey at Cooke Aquaculture, where my love for aquatic ecosystems meets innovation and community impact. 🌎 Why Cooke? They’ve been named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers for 2024. Here’s why I’m proud to be part of this team: Passion-Driven Culture: We live and breathe aquaculture. From salmon farms to environmental stewardship, our dedication fuels success. Community Impact: Cooke cares beyond business. They invest in education, support local communities, and champion sustainability. Growth Opportunities: Learning never stops. Certifications, leadership programs—we’re encouraged to reach new heights. Innovation: We embrace cutting-edge tech, from precision aquaculture to sustainable feed solutions. Team Spirit: Cooke feels like family. Celebrating milestones, overcoming challenges—it’s all part of the journey. Join us! Let’s shape the future of aquaculture together. #CookeAquaculture #ProudEmployee #SustainableFutures

As businesses scale and expand their horizons, hiring talent from around the world is becoming more common. This practice of embracing diversity and welcoming foreign national employees brings unique perspectives and increases innovation. 🚀 This practice while fruitful also presents a challenge - ensuring that newcomer employees feel welcomed and integrated into your organization and a new country.  🌍 Our friends over at MobSquad have welcomed over 100 newcomers to Canada in the last five years and learned a ton along the way. It’s not just about filling roles – it's about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels at home. 🏠 One key strategy to help integrate newcomers seamlessly into your team and their new country: going above and beyond in your onboarding process (e.g. be empathetic, help them set up a bank account, and assist them with navigating the rental and housing market). 💡 Want to learn more strategies? Check out our blog to read the full article: https://lnkd.in/e_sj9dHJ

Why is the burden always on the newcomer? Ever heard, "It takes two to tango?" 👇 Of course, whenever someone comes to a new environment, there is some expectation that they should adapt, whether it's a new country or organization. However, if we expect Canada to thrive, it's important that we do what we can to help them along. The first step is understanding that person's culture and values. But to do that, we have to have a solid understanding of our own, which most of us don't have. Frankly, being born and raised in one place often blinds us to the impact of our culture on how we think and behave. It's the analogy of the "fish out of water"—the fish doesn't know water exists until it's outside of it. For example, in Canada we assume speaking up for opportunities and advocating for yourself at work are natural, and people who don't do that "lack confidence" or have some kind of character flaw. However, there are cultures where those approaches are considered negative, and modesty is highly valued. We could easily be writing off someone who could be a high performer just because we think they "lack confidence." I'm keeping all of this in mind as I'm creating my second on-demand course. It's targeted not only for newcomers, but also established businesses and organizations in Canada. Right here, you can see a test screenshot from the filming. 👉 By the way, I have a question for you to answer in the comments: Is outward confidence a sign of a good employee?✍️ #CrossCulturalCommunication #Canada #NewcomersToCanada

🌍 Embracing Diversity: Let's Foster a Multicultural Workplace in Canada! 🇨🇦 Dear HR Professionals, As stewards of organizational culture, let's take a moment to celebrate the beautiful mosaic of cultures that enrich our Canadian workplaces. In our diverse nation, where individuals hail from myriad backgrounds and corners of the globe, embracing multiculturalism isn't just a value—it's a necessity. Imagine the wealth of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences our employees bring to the table. By fostering a multicultural orientation for new hires and existing team members, we not only honor Canada's rich tapestry but also cultivate an environment of inclusivity and understanding. Let's empower our employees to share insights about their cultures, traditions, and customs. By doing so, we facilitate better communication, deepen empathy, and break down barriers that may hinder collaboration. Embracing diversity isn't just a checkbox—it's a mindset shift that leads to innovation, creativity, and a stronger sense of belonging for all. Together, let's champion a workplace where every voice is heard, every story is valued, and every individual feels respected. Let's build bridges, not borders, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. #DiversityandInclusion #MulticulturalWorkplace #EmbraceDiversity #Canada #HRLeadership I invite you to share your thoughts and initiatives on fostering a multicultural workplace in the comments below. Let's inspire each other to create environments where everyone thrives!

Recognizing and embracing cultural differences is a game-changer, especially when it comes to integrating newcomer talent into Canada's workforce. It's not just about being polite; it's about creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Check out this awesome article that dives into the importance of challenging our cultural assumptions. By doing so, we unlock the potential for better teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving. Let's celebrate diversity and make sure newcomers feel valued and welcomed in our workplaces and communities! 🌍🤝💼 #novascotia #workincanada #interculturalcompetence

For international employees and their families settling in Finland, retention is crucial. 🌎🇫🇮 Long-term employment benefits both the company and the employee. Create a welcoming environment at work and in leisure activities to foster a sense of belonging. Integration into the community is key. 🏡🔑 Supporting the family is vital, as family-related issues often lead to assignment interruptions. One effective strategy is to actively involve the family in workplace social events, facilitating their integration and ensuring a more fulfilling experience for all. #integration #finland #retention

Disclaimer – I do not 100% agree with everything said in this video (mainly the comment about the best rugby team in the world 😂 – I have my own opinion on the matter which I am happy to share or discuss on a separate post because this is a #TeamAppreciationPost). Today, as we celebrate International Workers Day, I'm filled with immense gratitude for the incredible team that stands behind Coral Communications and Coral Sports Sponsorships. Running a business is a journey filled with many ups and downs. But amidst the challenges, it's the unwavering dedication and resilience of the team that truly shines a beacon of hope and keeps you going. Each member brings unique talents, perspectives, and unwavering commitment to our shared vision. Together, we navigate through tumultuous times, adapt to changes, and emerge stronger, united as a force to be reckoned with, knowing that we can all count on each other. As we celebrate the workforce today, I'm reminded of the profound impact businesses like ours have on communities, especially in the face of soaring unemployment rates globally. It's not just about the products we create or the services we offer; it's also about the livelihoods we try to sustain and the opportunities we aim to provide. Each job we create in turn creates hope, a chance for someone to support their families, pursue their dreams, and contribute to something greater than themselves. And through supporting our business, you help us help other people find this hope. If you are a member of the global workforce, today is also a day to celebrate yourself. No matter what your title is or where you work, your contributions are invaluable because you are part of the driving force behind the progress of global economies, the backbone of businesses big and small, and the unsung heroes of our society. Everyone’s contribution matters and we all need each other. Let's continue to push boundaries, break barriers, unlock our fullest potential, and create a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Happy International Workers Day! Video Credit: Tyler Waye #WorkersDay #TeamAppreciation #GlobalWorkforce

🐘 Me trying to excel in small-talk with African colleagues: "So, when was the last time you saw an elephant?" 🐘 Or continuing to chat in Estonian when a non-local is present? Or assumed a pregnant colleague wouldn't want to join a team sports event because "they can't do it anyway"? Yep, I'm guilty of all the above 🤦♀️ Embarrassing, right? But working at Bolt, which is as diverse as it gets, has been a real eye-opener. These experiences remind us of the need to check our biases and be more inclusive. Yes, our work culture has deep Estonian roots, but our operations are global, and the culture we foster is international. This means we don't push a 100% Estonian work culture. Instead, we all adapt. Estonians are often perceived as reserved and I'm terrible at small talk. But when interacting with my British colleagues, I try to remember to ask "How are you?" It's a simple gesture, but it helps break my icy exterior and avoid coming off as rude. Speaking of navigating cultural challenges at work - here’s an article featuring Mare Heinluht and Sugandha (Suhani) Bhandari 👏 https://lnkd.in/dcWrfBaU

Small actions can have a big impact! Many of you have colleagues from different countries. How often do you engage with them outside of work? I challenge you to invite someone new for dinner! If you are a foreign worker, extend an invitation to a Norwegian. Sharing a meal is more than just a pleasant experience—it's an opportunity to learn, grow, and create connections. Last week, Fernanda Winger Eggen from NHO presented an interesting survey at Oslo Business Region ´s meeting. According to NHO’s members, 62% report an unmet demand for competence, particularly in ICT and consultancy. We need to attract and retain skilled professionals in Norway. It's not merely about recruiting talent -  it's about ensuring they feel valued and included so they decide to stay. Building a new network as an adult in a new place is challenging. It's even tougher when moving to a new country. Take action today. Reach out to a colleague from a different cultural background and invite them for dinner. Be part of the reason people find Norway a friendly and welcoming country to move to. Feel free to share! #Onboarding #Norway #integration #OnboardNorway #DiversityAndInclusion #CulturalExchange #Networking #GlobalTalent

Curious about how I became an expert in relocation and integration? I've lived long-term and independently managed the relocation and integration processes in ⬇ Estonia 🇪🇪 the USA 🇺🇸 Australia 🇦🇺 New Zealand 🇳🇿 Finland 🇫🇮 I've advised expat families about integration in Australia and New Zealand, as well as expats in Finland. I conducted research on integration, reintegration processes, national support services, and knowledge about these services. I conducted countless interviews with expats, companies and their HR/TA/PO specialists. I have conducted an extensive market research in my field. I successfully provided end-to-end relocation and integration services for new team members relocating to Finland. I am working together with Women’s Cafe in English to create the “Women’s Guide to Helsinki - ways and manners.” Let's talk more! #interointegration #expatlife #globalmobility #relocation #integration