On June 18th, our Co-Founder had the opportunity to speak at a hybrid congress organized by the Bündnis 90/Die Grünen party, titled "Land der Chancen - Arbeits- und Fachkräftekongress."
I served as a panelist in Ideenlabor 6, where we discussed "Wege nach Deutschland: Wie gelingt Arbeitskräfteeinwanderung wirklich?" The panel was moderated by Misbah Khan MdB and Julian Pahlke MdB. Link to the congress: Land der Chancen – Arbeits- und Fachkräftekongress
In the panel, I was also joined by Frau Claudia Schilling from the Goethe-Institut in Kenya. Here are my insights on pathways to Germany and the factors that contribute to successful labor mobility for employers, employees, policymakers, and society as a whole.
Germany has a significant demand for skilled workers from various countries, including Kenya, due to its aging population and labor shortages in certain industries. Beyond possessing excellent language skills, how can employers ensure they are selecting the right candidates? Similarly, how can employees determine if companies align with their skills and expectations? It is crucial for those relocating to Germany to approach the move with the right mindset for both professional and cultural integration.
Moreover, employers need to prepare their current staff for these changes, particularly when integrating colleagues from different cultural backgrounds. Organizing internal intercultural training sessions within companies and training institutions can greatly facilitate this process. Strong support from employers is essential.
Leveraging the expertise of Kenyans in the diaspora in Germany can be highly beneficial for companies hiring from Kenya and for Kenyan staff relocating to Germany. They can offer valuable support in areas such as developing sustainable hiring models, providing intercultural training, facilitating buddy mentorship programs, and conducting follow-ups once individuals arrive in Germany. Our experience provides valuable insights to support and implement effective labor mobility programs.
Ultimately, the goal for both companies and employees is retention. It is not only important to hire the right candidates but also to create an environment where they feel supported and can thrive in the long term.
Get in touch with us at www.ag-careerhub.com to develop a tailored model for your company or institution. Additionally, check out our pilot project in collaboration with Mount Kenya University, Hochschule Koblenz, and AG-Career Hub, which focuses on ensuring a sustainable pool of nursing professionals. https://shorturl.at/Jkc4N