For many foreign workers, going to another country means facing different challenges. In addition to having to learn new business practices, they encounter language barriers, cultural differences, and often feel isolated in a new environment. Employers in Serbia, as in any other country, can play a crucial role in facilitating this transition period and making foreign employees feel welcome and integrate better - because more and more foreign citizens are coming to Serbia who want to live and work here, and local and international employers increasingly decide to look for workers and experts outside Serbia.

The first step that can help a foreign citizen to immediately feel the proverbial Serbian hospitality and cordiality is for the employer to provide them with full support in the process of collecting documentation and submitting an application for a residence visa. It will be significant for the foreign worker to receive clear information about where they are arriving: not only about the workplace and company rules, but also about life in Serbia. This can be achieved in various ways - online workshops or orientation sessions on local customs, culture, laws and rules of conduct with employees before their arrival in Serbia are an increasingly common way to facilitate relocation for foreign workers.

Companies that promote cultural openness and diversity among employees will more easily attract foreign workers. A proven good practice applied by numerous companies from multinational and multicultural countries, including Serbia, is organizing events dedicated to the countries or cultures of their employees, such as food festivals, musical performances or marking important dates from different cultures.

Even though today most business communication can be done in English or Chinese, having the opportunity to learn the Serbian language is very important for any foreign citizen who comes to Serbia for a long-term stay. Employers can organize language lessons or recommend language courses at local institutions, with vouchers or other support such as paid breaks from work for language learning. Additionally, hiring interpreters or translators for important meetings or documents can facilitate communication.

A mentor or a colleague who can provide support and help in everyday matters, not only at work but also in relation to the new life in Serbia, can be of great importance to a new employee coming from abroad. This can include advice on finding accommodation, dealing with administrative procedures or simply getting to know the local community better. Information about places to visit and where to go out, sports clubs, volunteer organizations or other activities outside of work can help foreign workers and their families connect more quickly with their new environment and feel more at home.

If a foreign worker comes with a family, providing support for their integration is extremely important. A simple brochure prepared by the company, with tips and suggestions on education for children, access to healthcare services, or assistance in finding activities for family members, can significantly facilitate the transition for the employee and their family. In addition, regularly monitoring foreign workers' progress and gathering feedback on their experience can help employers adjust their approaches and offer additional support where needed.

The integration of foreign workers into the working environment and society in Serbia requires the engagement of employers at multiple levels. Through various support measures, employers can create an environment in which foreign employees feel welcome. This will not only help the workers in their professional development, but will also contribute to the wealth and diversity of the company, as well as the local community. Investing in the integration of foreign workers is not only a good business practice but also an ethical imperative that contributes to building a more open, tolerant and prosperous society for all.