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Embracing Kiwi Culture: Customs and Traditions for New Migrants

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  Embracing Kiwi Culture: Customs and Traditions for New Migrants New Zealand is a country rich in unique customs and traditions. Understanding these can help new migrants feel more integrated and respected in their new community. Here are some key customs to keep in mind as you settle into life in Aotearoa. Photo by  Wallace Fonseca  on  Unsplash   Respect for the Māori Culture The Māori culture is an integral part of New Zealand’s identity. Learning about the Māori language, traditions, and the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi is crucial. Familiarize yourself with basic Māori greetings like "Kia ora" (hello) and "Haere rā" (goodbye). Participate in Māori cultural events and respect sacred sites and practices. Understanding and respecting Māori customs will enrich your experience in New Zealand and help you connect with the local community.   Social Etiquette Kiwis are known for their friendliness and informality. A handshake and a smil...

The Psychological Hurdles of Employers Against Free Training Support

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The necessity for ongoing learning and upskilling is undeniable.  However, despite the evident advantages of providing free training support for employees, many employers exhibit hesitancy towards such initiatives. This reluctance is often rooted in various psychological barriers ingrained within organizational structures and leadership mindsets.  But WHY!?! Bas Peperzak   1. Fear of Employee Attrition Employers often fear that investing in training programs might lead to increased employee turnover. This fear stems from the concept of perceived organizational support (POS), where employees gauge how much their organization values them. When employers invest in training, employees may feel indebted, potentially leading them to consider job offers from competitors offering better prospects. This fear is exacerbated in industries with high demand for skilled labour, intensifying the competition for talent. Additionally, leaders may be influenced by a scarcity mindset,...

Training Support and Success: Essential Tips for New Migrants

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Moving to a new country comes with many challenges, and one of the biggest is overcoming language barriers. In New Zealand, various resources are available to help new migrants improve their English skills. From language courses to community support groups, there's plenty of help to ensure you can communicate effectively and feel more at home. Photo by  Kyle Glenn  on  Unsplash For example, there are Language Schools and Classes.  Many institutions in New Zealand offer English language courses specifically designed for migrants. These courses can range from beginner to advanced levels and are often subsidized or free for new migrants. Organizations like English Language Partners New Zealand provide classes tailored to different needs, whether it's general English, workplace English, or preparation for academic exams like IELTS. You can try Community Centres. For example , Waitaki Multicultural:   https://waitakimulticultural.org.nz/ .  Local community c...

Common Sense: The Hidden Adversary in Health and Safety

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  The term 'common sense' is often revered as an innate guide for daily living, suggesting that the best choices are obvious and universal. Yet, when it comes to health and safety, dangers can be hidden beneath 'common sense'. https://unsplash.com/@emmages?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash Common sense, by its very nature, is a collection of subjective assumptions based on personal experiences and cultural norms, lacking the depth required to grapple with the complexities of modern health and safety challenges. The Deception of Simplicity Common sense might dictate that solutions to problems should be straightforward and based on intuitive understanding. However, health and safety issues often involve intricate systems and invisible risks that defy simple, intuitive approaches.  For example, while it may seem sensible to judge the safety of a clear, odorless gas by its immediate effects, hazardous substances like carbon monox...

What about The Young Employee?

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  We tend to place some focus on the more mature demographic - especially those who may be challenged to adopt digital literacies. But what about the communications skills of newcomers to the job-market? We are now beginning to see a generation of school-leavers who had two years of their academic progress disrupted by a recent public health emergency. What actions can we take to assist those youngsters who experienced such lamentable disconnections not only from their education , but from their peer-support groups, fractured cohesiveness and relationships with adults in schools, which so many of us took for granted? Perhaps help with onboarding is at hand. Government funding can assist employers to get Training Support for their employees. What a great way to recompense a generation which has been so overlooked. Estimating the average amount of schooling lost by a 16-year-old due to COVID-19 restrictions can be challenging as it varies significantly depending on various fact...

Training Support - What it Really Means #trainingsupport#employeesupport

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Training support for employees refers to the provision of resources, opportunities, and assistance aimed at enhancing their skills, knowledge, and professional development within the organisation, fostering growth and effectiveness in their roles. An organisational culture that values training support is often characterised by strong leadership and communication. Leaders who actively promote learning and development set a positive example for their teams, emphasising the importance of growth and improvement.  https://unsplash.com/@ageing_better Training support for employees refers to the provision of resources, opportunities, and assistance aimed at enhancing their skills, knowledge, and professional development within the organisation, fostering growth and effectiveness in their roles. An organisational culture that values training support is often characterised by strong leadership and communication. Leaders who actively promote learning and development set a positive example ...

What Kind of Employer Would Be Interested in Free Training Support? #trainingsupport#onboarding#skillsfor life

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  Enlisting training support for your employees can be highly beneficial for your business, especially if you can access funding for it from the Government. Photo by Adam Winger on Unsplash But why? I hear you ask… Firstly, there is access to government funding: Government funding for employee training programs such as The Employer Led Fund can significantly offset the costs associated with training initiatives. By taking advantage of these funding opportunities, you can ·        Maximise the return on investment in employee development. ·          Minimise the   financial strain on your business. ·        Enlist qualified tutors to assess and teach. ·        Enhance your workplace culture – such as Health, Safety and Wellness. ·        Plan for better productivity and ·      ...