--- title: "European Nations Struggle to Welcome Expats" url: https://newscentral.site/european-nations-struggle-to-welcome-expats/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Business" published: 2026-10-08T04:33:44.000Z updated: 2026-10-08T08:25:07.255Z id: 01636705-089c-4857-ac1c-8d53d4080b5c source: "Fortune https://fortune.com/2026/10/08/siemens-healthineers-is-helping-international-staff-feel-at-home/" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/european-nations-struggle-to-welcome-expats/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # European Nations Struggle to Welcome Expats Many non-EU nationals employed in the EU labor market face challenges adapting to unfamiliar cultures and learning new languages. Moving to a new country for work can be a daunting experience, bringing with it additional stress beyond just learning the ropes of a new job and meeting colleagues. For many people, this means adapting to an unfamiliar culture and potentially even learning a new language. According to European Commission data, nearly 13 million non-EU nationals are employed in the EU labor market, highlighting the growing number of individuals navigating these challenges. However, despite their numbers, expats often struggle to feel welcome in their adopted countries. European nations consistently ranked poorly in InterNations' Expat Insider 2026 report, with many expats citing difficulties making friends and feeling at home. In Germany, which ranked second-to-last overall, expats also faced practical challenges, including bureaucracy, housing, and language barriers. Siemens Healthineers, a global medical technology company based in Erlangen, Germany, employs over 74,000 people worldwide, with about one in ten of its German workforce comprising international staff. These employees often reported feeling disconnected from their colleagues during monthly staff surveys. The company's response was the launch of Beyond Borders, an employee network designed to support international staff as they settle into their new lives in Germany. This initiative aimed to provide a sense of community and help expats navigate everyday challenges, such as finding healthcare or childcare services. Siemens Healthineers' efforts to support its international workforce have been driven by employee feedback, according to Liza Follert, head of people attraction for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Siemens Healthineers. The company has conducted regular staff surveys over eight years to gauge employees' satisfaction levels. The introduction of an anonymized self-identification option three years ago has allowed the company to pinpoint which groups are dissatisfied, enabling targeted action. Follert highlights that 80% of employees agree with certain aspects, but it's the remaining 20% who pose a challenge. The company's commitment to employee satisfaction is reflected in its ranking as ninth on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For, Europe list. Monthly check-ins and opportunities for direct input into shaping the company culture have contributed to this achievement. This emphasis on engagement has clearly paid off, with Siemens Healthineers performing strongly in this regard. The company is investing in various employee resource groups, including Beyond Borders, which aims to create a sense of community among international staff. Other networks have been established for working fathers, LGBTQ+ employees, and early-career staff, providing them with dedicated support and opportunities to communicate with leadership. Mental health challenges persist as a significant concern for international staff at Siemens Healthineers, according to Follert. Factors such as workload expectations and external events like conflicts and crises contribute to heightened anxieties. These uncertainties can be unpredictable, making it difficult for employees to cope. In response to these concerns, the company has implemented training in mental health first aid for its employees. In some markets, including the UK and US, employees also have access to Headspace, a meditation app that offers stress-reducing techniques. The initiative appears to be having a positive impact on employee well-being. Employees are already serving as informal ambassadors for the company, sharing their experiences and personal growth stories on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Follert notes that staff often discuss mental health, work-life balance, and other challenges they face in their roles. This open dialogue reflects the supportive culture within the organization. The employee-centric approach is yielding tangible results, with a notable decline in resignations. In 2025, the number of employees leaving the company fell by approximately a quarter, to around 2,336 staff members, representing roughly 3% of the workforce. Follert also reports an increase in job applications over the past two years. Employee referrals have become a significant factor in hiring new talent, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Since 2024, there has been a 13% rise in employee referrals within these regions, suggesting that staff are increasingly recommending Siemens Healthineers to their professional networks. As the number of applicants and referrals increases, Siemens Healthineers is facing a new challenge in managing its hiring process effectively. According to Follert, recruiters risk becoming administrators if they are overwhelmed by a high volume of candidates. To address this issue, the company is implementing a new recruiting system that will centralize approximately 2,500 open positions and half a million candidate profiles onto a single platform. This advanced system will utilize artificial intelligence to streamline the application process for both applicants and recruiters alike. The introduction of this new system is part of a broader transformation taking place within Siemens Healthineers. The company is currently undergoing a spin-off from its parent organization, with a shareholder vote scheduled for February 2027 at Siemens's annual general meeting. The company is currently undergoing a spin-off from its parent organization, with significant implications for its international staff. This separation will enable Siemens Healthineers to operate more independently and make decisions tailored to its specific needs. As part of this transition, the company's leadership team is focused on creating a more streamlined organizational structure. A key aspect of Siemens Healthineers' efforts to support its international employees has been implementing measures to help them feel at home in their host countries. This includes providing relocation assistance and cultural orientation programs to facilitate integration into local communities. With the spin-off nearing completion, the company is poised to further solidify its position as a global leader in healthcare technology. --- Source: [Fortune](https://fortune.com/2026/10/08/siemens-healthineers-is-helping-international-staff-feel-at-home/) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/european-nations-struggle-to-welcome-expats/