Welcoming Filipino Migrant Workers to the UK: How Hospitality HR Managers Can Ensure a Positive and Successful Integration

The UK is fortunate to attract a diverse and talented pool of workers from around the world, including Filipino migrant workers who bring with them a wealth of skills and experience.

As HR managers in hospitality prepare for the arrival of these workers, it is important to consider the many benefits they can bring to the workplace but also be prepared for the inevitable differences in culture that will impact new arrivals

Here are some key ways in which HR managers can ensure a positive and successful integration of Filipino migrant workers into the UK:

1. Celebrate diversity: The arrival of Filipino migrant workers is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the UK's workforce and promote a culture of inclusivity. HR managers can highlight the unique skills and perspectives that Filipino workers bring, before their arrival, and encourage cross cultural discussions and events to avoid creating teams within teams
2. Foster a sense of belonging: HR managers can create a welcoming environment for Filipino workers by providing opportunities for socializing and building connections with colleagues. This can include team-building activities, cultural events, and language support. Filipinos come from a culture where family plays an important role in society and by providing a strong support network they will settle more quickly. They generally love to sing and have fun
3. Provide support even if it feels too basic: This can include assistance with information about housing and living expenses, and reminders on health and safety regulations and cultural differences around diversity and inclusion as an example. Filipinos are generally practical people and appreciate practical guidance, advice and direction.
4. Talk about career development: Filipino workers are often highly motivated and eager to learn and develop their skills. They will often be loyal to employers who have given them a chance to start a new life in the UK and this will only be solidified further if they feel they'll get a fair chance at future opportunities to progress
5. Set clear targets: These will obviously be role dependent and some jobs have more transferable skills than others and are less impacted by cultural norms than others. A clear set of objectives with timelines will help the workers understand what is important and what success means for the employer - they'll be focused on achieving these and proud of their accomplishments

What are the most important things to Filipino workers? From our recent survey of over 1,000 overseas workers, these are the things that matter most in hospitality - apart from salary.

1. Accommodation - live in is great, subsidized or supported arrangements in the first 6 months particularly are important
2. Meals on shift
3. Uniform provision and laundry
4. Being able to take their annual leave in one big 4 week chunk so they can go home for a month
5. Flight home fund. Either saved on their behalf or with a contribution from the employer this annual flight home is a tradition and so important to many workers