The aim of the project was to support Saxon employers on their path to cosmopolitanism and inclusivity and to provide them with practical tools to successfully integrate international skilled workers. The focus was on assisting with recruitment decisions, developing intercultural skills and supporting companies with potential challenges in the integration process.
Successful training courses and project content
The project was implemented using a variety of practical formats that were developed specifically for SMEs in Saxony. The offer was broadly diversified in order to pick up companies at different stages of the international recruitment of skilled workers:
- Certified further training: The “Company Integration Manager (IHK)” training course was developed in cooperation with the Dresden Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and has been offered on an ongoing basis since August 2024. This training enables managers, training and HR managers to professionally set up internal integration processes and sustainably promote the integration of employees with an international background within the company.
- “Spotlight on Saxony” events: At three special events under the motto “Spotlight on Saxony – Internationals share their stories”, employers were able to find out first-hand what international talent wants and which factors are crucial for attracting and retaining skilled workers in the long term. The events provided an inspiring platform where international professionals shared their stories and gave direct insights into their perspectives, needs and hurdles.
- Practical tips for inviting communication: Another success of the project was the development of a clear guide “Inviting communication to international talent – for SMEs”. This chart provides practical tips on designing employer brands, anti-racist communication and creating inviting job advertisements – all crucial elements for positioning yourself as an attractive and inclusive employer.
- Innovative workshop formats: To address specific inclusion challenges, the project team ran new formats such as the “Blue Eyed Brown Eyed” workshop for managers. This workshop to raise awareness of unconscious bias was held twice and offered an intensive discussion of diversity and inclusion in a professional context. Workshop alumni continue to meet monthly to reflect on how to deal with discriminatory situations. The “New to Dresden” workshop for newly arrived internationals was also offered to facilitate social and cultural integration into the Saxon environment and thus provide essential support for arrivals, which is often lacking.
Communal success and lasting impact
The “Cosmopolitan Employer Brand” project has not only enriched the Saxon corporate landscape, but also made a lasting contribution to cosmopolitanism in the region. The partnership between Wirtschaft für ein Weltoffenes Sachsen, Silicon Saxony and Organic Electronic Saxony has created a valuable network that offers employers access to knowledge, exchange and resources. The positive feedback from the participating companies confirms the success and relevance of the educational programs.
“This project has shown us that companies are interested in internationalization, that the exchange of information on hurdles and support options is essential, and also that an information event is not enough. We need long-term, accompanying, low-threshold offers and visible examples of success. As more established companies have also used the offers, we can see that learning is never finished in this area and that these formats are needed on an ongoing basis,” summarizes Susi Ehrhardt, who is responsible for the area of international skilled workers and personnel development at Silicon Saxony.
Looking to the future
The completion of the project marks an important milestone, but the need for intercultural competence and support in the integration of skilled workers remains.
Even after the end of the project, our members will still have access to the resources we have developed: the guide “Inviting communication to international applicants” and the “International Talent Journey”, which shows where companies can receive support along the recruitment process and how to make contact with future employees. The network and the materials developed provide a solid foundation for further initiatives that promote the goal of a cosmopolitan and inclusive economy in Saxony. The project partners are optimistic about the future and hope that the experience gained will encourage other companies to embark on the path to internationalization and discover the potential of international talent for themselves.
O-tones from participants
Verena Schumann (Communardo):
“The Blue Eyes workshop really resonated for a long time. I also told a lot of people about it, which I don’t usually do after workshops. I also have a few colleagues who are interested if you organize it again. It really is a completely different format for once.”
New to Dresden workshop for new international employees in Dresden companies:
Prathiksha (India): It’s so great to finally come into contact with other newcomers here in Dresden outside of my work.
Wojciech (Poland): I am so happy that I have learned some things about German culture that are obvious to Germans but completely new to me.
Ivana (Serbia): The introduction to German work culture was a really great mix of objective facts and many personal examples and stories that made it very vivid.
Note: The quotes have been translated into German
Your contact on the topic of international skilled workers
Susann Ehrhardt
International skilled workers & HR development
susann.ehrhardt@silicon-saxony.de
+49 351 8973-2977
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Further links
👉 Project page “Weltoffene Arbeitgebermarke”
Photo: pixabay
