How to Keep Foreign Employees at Your Company for the Long Term?

Retaining foreign employees long-term is a challenge that many companies face. With growing competition for talent in the labor market, it is worth considering how to boost employee engagement and encourage staff to stay with the company longer. Here are a few ways that can help build loyalty among foreign employees.

Supporting Adaptation and Team Integration

Hiring foreign employees is just the beginning. One of the biggest challenges is integrating them into the team and the organizational culture. As many as 47% of foreign employees cite difficulties adapting to a new work environment as one of the main reasons they consider changing jobs (report "Labor Migration 2024" by the Institute of Labor and Social Affairs). It is important to ensure that new employees feel part of the company — this can be achieved through onboarding programs, mentoring, or team-building events. Such initiatives help improve the atmosphere and increase team engagement, which translates into greater employee loyalty.

Development and Advancement Opportunities

Employees want to feel that their work matters and that their efforts are appreciated. According to the report "Positive Situation on the Polish Labor Market," as many as 60% of employees state that development and advancement opportunities within the company significantly influence their career decisions. It is therefore worth investing in training programs and courses, as well as providing career paths that allow foreign employees to grow within the organization. Offering such opportunities in a transparent manner tailored to individual needs can significantly improve employee satisfaction and loyalty.

Tailoring Benefits to the Expectations of Foreign Employees

When hiring employees from different countries, it is necessary to take into account cultural differences, including in the area of benefits. Data on the employment of foreigners in Poland shows that workers from Ukraine and Belarus particularly value benefits related to healthcare and employment stability. According to the study "Employment of Foreigners in Poland" conducted by the Polish Employment Agency, for 45% of foreign employees, a medical package and health insurance are key factors influencing their decision to stay with the company. Offering appropriate benefits that meet the expectations of employees from different countries is essential to building their loyalty.

Flexibility at Work

Flexibility is one of the factors that can attract foreign employees to a company for the long term. Research shows that 35% of foreign employees prefer flexible working hours or the option of remote work, especially among those from Ukraine and Moldova (Deloitte report "Remote Work and Its Impact on Employment in Poland"). Allowing employees to adapt their working hours to their individual needs can significantly increase their satisfaction and loyalty to the company. Flexibility at work can also improve work-life balance, which boosts engagement over the long term.

Diversity and Inclusion

Creating an inclusive work environment where foreign employees feel respected and valued is essential for long-term team retention. According to McKinsey's "Diversity and Inclusion" study, companies with diverse teams achieve financial results that are 35% better than those that do not practice this approach. It is therefore worth maintaining a diversity policy, giving foreign employees space to express themselves and integrate with the rest of the team. This kind of approach increases work efficiency, positively affects team morale, and supports long-term stability.

Simplifying the Legalization and Residence Process

Foreign employees, particularly those from outside the European Union, may encounter difficulties related to legalizing their stay in Poland. Streamlining this process — for example, by helping them obtain work permits and organize documents — can build their trust in the employer. Companies that take care to ensure foreigners feel secure do not need to worry about high turnover in this segment of employees. Providing support with residence organization and help with administrative formalities is a factor that significantly affects the loyalty of foreign employees.

At Gremi Personal, we provide comprehensive assistance with the legalization process, covering both help with obtaining work permits and organizing the necessary documents for legal residence in Poland. Our experience and knowledge of legal regulations allow companies to focus on development rather than on time-consuming formalities. We provide full support, giving employees a sense of security and confidence, as well as increasing their loyalty and motivation for long-term work at the company.

Maintaining a Good Work Atmosphere

A good work atmosphere is a factor that significantly influences the decision to stay long-term. As many as 48% of foreign employees in Poland cite work atmosphere as a key factor in job satisfaction (IPiSS report "Labor Migration in Poland"). Creating a friendly environment in which employees feel comfortable can contribute to greater loyalty and engagement. Employees who feel part of the team are more inclined toward long-term cooperation, which has a significant impact on organizational stability.

Summary

Retaining foreign employees long-term is an investment that benefits both employees and companies. Offering development opportunities, maintaining a positive atmosphere, flexible working arrangements, and tailoring benefits to the needs of foreign employees are key elements that help build long-term relationships with staff. Taking such steps not only increases employee satisfaction but also reduces recruitment costs and turnover within the company.

If you want to effectively retain foreign employees at your company, check out our solutions in the area of residence legalization and employment process management.