Can Norway Compete in the Race to Attract and Retain International Talent?
The quest to find an answer has been generating interest and momentum as witnessed by the nearly 300 attendees at the recent conference held by NHO, Oslo region IPR and Abelia, entitled «Are we losing the battle for the best minds? »
Audience members, made up of people from private, public and political sectors, listened to engaging panel discussions focused on how Norway can strengthen the position as an attractive destination for skilled workers and their families.
Our Nordic neighbors have realized that to attract and retain international employees, policies need to be in place that streamline the immigration process as well as processes that enable not only the worker but their family members to adjust to and thrive in their new environment. For example, we learned that Denmark has put in place free language courses for employees and their families (new residents) for their first 5 years. Both Finland and Sweden, have set up Welcome centers in various locations, providing guidance and support to new residents with information and resources for the complete relocation process.
Norway needs to decide if they want to join the battle for the best minds and consequently what needs to be done to become a viable player. To discuss this topic politicians representing both local and national perspectives shared their positions and ideas. The answer seemed obvious with a unanimous ‘yes, we want to compete’, but how we get there is not yet clear. What is clear however, is that cooperation and coordination will be decisive factors.
Another important discussion focused on the role employers play in attracting and as emphasized, retaining an international workforce. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that their new employees get the necessary assistance so they can be productive from day one. This also means ensuring accompanying family members are provided relative assistance for their successful transition.
The conference ended on a very positive note with the launch of the Work in Norway initiative. NHO, Osloregionen and Abelia will join forces to create and build the concept of a clear and coordinated branding of Norway as a preferred workplace destination. A comprehensive approach to attract and retain an international workforce while also helping employers can turn Norway into a top contender!
