Imagine the following situation: Your colleague from India is wobbling her head – what does that mean? Does it mean ‘yes’ or ‘no’? Or the new colleague from Taiwan who requests support with every little task you delivered – couldn’t he just do it himself? At the same time, the Indian colleague may be thinking: ‘Why are my German colleagues always so direct and impatient? They expect clear statements and quick decisions instead of showing consideration and leaving room for discussion.’
Many of us are familiar with these situations. In a globalised world, people from different cultures work together more closely than ever before. But what is considered ‘normal’ for us individually can be perceived completely differently in other cultures. Each of us operates in a cultural context that shapes our communication and behaviour and also gives rise to stereotypes about other customs. For example, a direct style of communication is often favoured in Germany, which can be perceived as impolite in other countries.
Without an understanding of cultural differences, misunderstandings can easily arise, which in turn can lead to the company’s house being in disarray. And in many cases, this has a negative impact on employee satisfaction and motivation. Especially now and in the future, when the proportion of skilled workers from non-EU countries is growing enormously in Saxony, employees – both newcomers and long-established ones – will be confronted with intercultural peculiarities, behaviour and misunderstandings more than ever before. This is precisely why it is worth investing in your own intercultural competence – to bring all employees along so that they can work well together and grow together.
Why interculturality is becoming increasingly important in Saxony
For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saxony’s major cities and conurbations, working with international specialists has long since become routine. This trend will continue to grow in the coming years, particularly in light of the ongoing shortage of skilled labour. Forecasts predict that the Saxon labour market will be short of around 150,000 skilled workers by 2030 – a challenge that will affect SMEs in particular.
In 2023, around 1,700 skilled workers from non-EU countries came to work in Saxony. These skilled workers were mainly recruited through collaborations with countries such as Vietnam, Brazil and India. Skilled workers from these countries have a different working stlye and culture and therefore helping them understand the German culture and also learning about their respective cultures is an important pre-requisit for the SMEs in Saxony to function in an efficient & productive manner.
Statistically speaking, the growing cultural diversity in Saxon companies can bring considerable advantages. A study by McKinsey on diversity and inclusivity shows that companies with culturally diverse teams are 36 percent more innovative and successful. However, it is a fallacy to believe that collaboration in international teams does not also bring challenges. According to a PwC study, 70 percent of companies that employ international teams report misunderstandings or conflicts that can be traced back to intercultural differences. Cultural diversity in a company can and is in most cases a success factor, but only if companies actively work to train their employees in dealing with these differences and sensitise them towards them.
CrossCulture – utilising diversity, strengthening team spirit, ensuring success
Cultural challenges can lead to communication problems, misunderstandings and frustration among employees, especially in everyday working life. This is where our CrossCulture consulting service comes in. Our aim is to prepare companies and their employees for working together in culturally diverse teams and to provide them with the tools they need to resolve misunderstandings independently. In practical training sessions, we not only impart knowledge about different communication styles and behaviours, but also create space for reflection on stereotypes and prejudices. In this way, we strengthen the understanding of employees’ cultural backgrounds and create the basis for respectful cooperation.
Growing together and celebrating success
Crosscultural consulting services help to promote team spirit, allow employees to grow together and thus improve cooperation. This in turn has a positive effect on the economic development of the company:
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Improved communication: Employees understand and take better account of cultural and linguistic differences, habits and working methods.
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Fewer misunderstandings and conflicts: Intercultural misunderstandings are recognised more quickly and can be resolved independently.
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Increased efficiency: In a pleasant working atmosphere, without constant conflict between colleagues, employees enjoy their work much more and are therefore more productive.
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Employee retention & company success: Companies that emphasise harmonious and good cooperation can often retain their employees for longer and achieve corporate success together with them.
We support your employees – in working together in international teams, in intercultural onboarding for work in Germany or in preparing for new colleagues from abroad. With CrossCulture, you lay the foundations for successful collaboration – for the benefit of all.
