While Brexit will be a huge change for a variety of reasons, many companies will be dealing with this shift out of the EU by moving their business and their people. Along with the obvious logistical considerations, cultural training can help alleviate some of the stress of offering to relocate your employees permanently. Blending into a culture and feeling comfortable enough to commit to a new country, maybe for good, is vastly important. If your employees don’t think they will be able to adapt, then they may feel like they have no choice but to leave the company or turn down the offer to move. Your company could suffer losses of talent and profit if this happens, but there is an effective preventative measure you can take for your team: cultural training.

Cultural training provides your employees with the essential skills that are needed to prepare for a major life change. Employees will be coached on how their coworkers may operate differently in the new destination. When they arrive in the new destination, the effects of culture shock are greatly reduced due to this helpful preparation.

With the Brexit, companies may be considering moves for the entire office, for particular departments, or for a few employees. The moves may be within or outside of the United Kingdom, and may even be out of Europe. Significant restructuring may be foreseen in some companies.

As with every culture, the British people have unique tendencies and preferences that are helpful to become familiar with if you will be sharing a workplace. One of the most important aspects of cultural training is that the trainee learns both about themselves and about how their global coworkers communicate. Here are three examples of how cultures may differ:

• Communication style: Clear communication with the UK will be a result of studying cues in the low-context culture. Words and expressions are used explicitly and carry the exact meaning of their communication. To people from high-context cultures, this may come off as direct, but it is simply an attempt at avoiding misunderstanding.
• Group dynamics: The United Kingdom is an individualistic society. Take the time to offer formal, polite greetings with your coworkers in the UK. The culture is moving from more formal to less formal, but it is better to start your interactions more formal and adjust accordingly.
• Business risk: People are incredibly comfortable with taking risk in the UK. People will make decisions with uncertainties or ambiguous situations and as a result, are always prepared to move forward despite risk. Consequences are acceptable.

If your team receives word that changes are coming as a result of the Brexit, be sure to communicate with employees about the specifics as soon as possible. This reduces the amount of false information that can spread. When the announcement is made, prepare accordingly with destination information readily available. Employees will need information immediately as they consider their options and abilities. It is also advisable to have the appropriate cultural trainers involved from the beginning to answer questions and comfort employees.

Moving forward, there are thoughtful changes you can instill among your team. For example, to minimize feelings of separation, it is best practice to use phrases like “the marketing group in Paris,” rather than “the French team.” Time zone challenges may become a new reality and will likely take some time to adjust to. Investing in your IT team will help keep everyone connected in ways that work best for your team. Finally, focusing on individual strengths of your team and communicating appreciation in ways each member needs to hear it will help your team feel valued and secure during a time of significant change.

Keep in mind that while some employees will react to the news enthusiastically with an adventurous mindset, others may be hesitant about a group move. These insecurities can quickly impact other employees. It is absolutely crucial to prepare the proper cultural training for the workplace. Get started with Global Workforce Development today!