Johannes Kepler Universität Linz

Welcome Café for International Employees

The number of international employees at the JKU Linz continues to grow. In response, the International Welcome Center has created a service-oriented welcome program.

Objectives

With the help of the Welcome Café, the International Welcome Center (IWC) of JKU Linz provides international employees with an overview of the campus, gives an impression of the services for employees and summarises essential information and contact points. This ensures an appealing start at the new workplace. As a contact point for questions about the stay, the IWC also serves as a place for exchanging information about needs, challenges for international employees and fond memories of the start in Austria and the new field of activity.

Background

International employees are confronted with numerous challenges in their new place of residence and work. It is important to be aware of linguistic, cultural, systemic and structural differences and to take them into account accordingly.

(Implemented) Activities

International employees are invited to a low-threshold meeting (coffee & cake) at the International Welcome Centre (IWC). During this meeting, services and important information about campus life are presented (e.g. IWC, Department for Research Services and Knowledge Transfer, Works Council and Chamber of Labour, In-House Seminars, Kidsversity, USI, Welcome2UpperAustria, ABA etc.). The aim is also to learn about the needs and obstacles of international employees, but also to share fond memories of their start in Austria and at JKU Linz. In addition, there will be room for mutual exchange of experiences in a relaxed atmosphere. Afterwards, the international employees will receive a Welcome Package with useful goodies.

Results

Getting international employees better situated at the workplace by providing earlier onboarding services: - The Department of Research Services and Knowledge Transfer offers information and advice on third-party funded projects in general, on research funding and research funding programmes, and provides support in the application process. More details here: https://www.jku.at/forschungsservice-und-wissenstransfer/ - The Works Council represents JKU employees vis-à-vis the university management in economic, social, health and cultural matters. More details here: https://www.jku.at/betriebsrat/ - The Chamber of Labour advises employees in social, economic, professional and cultural matters. It represents employees vis-à-vis politicians and business and is involved in the legislative process. More details here: https://www.arbeiterkammer.at/index.html - The JKU's in-house seminar programme offers all employees a wide range of continuing education opportunities, ranging from language or computer training to personality-building courses and seminars designed to deepen leadership skills. More details here: https://www.jku.at/abteilung-personalentwicklung-gender-diversity-management/referate/referat-personalentwicklung/ - Kidsversity: JKU offers a flexible childcare service that both students and staff can use for their children. More details here: https://www.jku.at/campus/services/studieren-mit-kind/kidsversity/ - USI: Classic and trendy sports, a wide variety of fitness courses and also quiet exercise programmes are offered at the University Sports Institute. More details here: https://www.jku.at/campus/freizeit/usi-sportangebot/ - The Welcome2Upper Austria Service Center is an initiative of Business Upper Austria. It supports companies in international recruitment and assists international employees and their families in finding their way around Upper Austria. More details here: https://www.welcome2upperaustria.com/ - The Austrian Business Agency (ABA) advises on visa, immigration and labour law issues. More details here: https://aba.gv.at/

Lessons learned

International employees need a more focused welcome program on account of their unique circumstances in a new country and at a new workplace.

Further links