Employer Series: Why Hire International Talent (aka Nondomestic Workers)?

We recently started our Employer Series as a means of updating employers about the international talent pool. While hiring a nondomestic worker does entail more work in terms of visa filing, F1 Hire’s parent company, Wholeren Group LLC, has been tapping into this talent pool since its founding.

With such a rich history of working alongside global colleagues, we firmly believe employers should consider hiring nondomestic workers for several compelling reasons, including diversifying the workforce, addressing skill shortages, enhancing innovation, and fostering global competitiveness.

If asked why we choose to hire both domestic and international talent, we cite these reasons for expanding your employee base:

1. Workforce Diversification: Hiring nondomestic workers adds to the diversity of the workplace. Different cultural backgrounds bring a variety of perspectives and ideas, which can lead to more creative problem-solving and innovative thinking. A diverse workforce can better understand and serve a diverse customer base, improving customer relations and satisfaction. Diversity also enhances the company's reputation, attracting a broader range of clients and top talent from various backgrounds (cf. amazon).

2. Addressing Skill Shortages: Many industries face significant skill shortages, particularly in specialized fields such as technology, engineering, healthcare, and research (hence why there is a stay extension for nondomestic workers in STEM fields, after receiving their degrees). Nondomestic workers fill these gaps with their unique expertise and experience that might be scarce or unavailable locally. By hiring from the international talent pool, employers can ensure they have the necessary skills to maintain and expand their operations, which is crucial for staying competitive in today's fast-paced market.

3. Enhancing Innovation: Innovation thrives on diversity of thought. Nondomestic workers contribute new ways of thinking and problem-solving techniques that can lead to breakthrough innovations. Exposure to different educational systems and professional experiences enriches the collective knowledge of the workforce, fostering an environment where innovative ideas can flourish. This is particularly valuable in industries driven by technological advancements and continuous improvement.

4. Fostering Global Competitiveness: Having a workforce that understands and can navigate different global markets is a significant advantage. Nondomestic workers often bring insights into international markets, languages, and cultures, which can be instrumental for companies looking to expand globally. They can help tailor products and services to meet the needs of diverse markets, enhancing the company's global reach and competitiveness.

5. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Many countries have immigration policies that encourage the hiring of nondomestic workers, recognizing their value to the economy. The US’s H-1B visa program is one way to maintain such a workforce.? Employing nondomestic workers aligns with corporate social responsibility practices, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity. It demonstrates a commitment to a fair and diverse workplace, which can enhance the company's image and align with ethical standards.

TLDR: Hiring nondomestic workers offers numerous benefits, including enriching workplace diversity, addressing skill shortages, fostering innovation, and enhancing global competitiveness to drive businesses forward in an increasingly global marketplace. The F1 Hire extension is one means by which employees can find employers who seek global talent and are willing to sponsor work visas!