Companies Are People: The Importance of Attracting and Integrating Different Cultures
In today’s globalized market, companies face significant challenges related to the shortage of skilled labor. According to a study by the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI), this shortage can be seen as an opportunity to improve working conditions, increase employee motivation, and promote fairer and more attractive labor practices.

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To address these gaps, many organizations have turned to attracting international talent. Mobility and labor migration have become essential tools for meeting the demand for specific skills, allowing access to a broader pool of qualified candidates, a phenomenon particularly relevant in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and engineering, among others.
However, the integration of workers from different cultural backgrounds requires more than mere hiring. It is essential that companies develop inclusive environments where diversity is valued and promoted. Studies indicate that diversity within companies is directly linked to increased productivity. For example, a 10% increase in ethnic-racial diversity can result in an increase of nearly 4% in productivity, positively impacting business results.
Moreover, cultural diversity within organizations contributes to a better understanding of international markets, facilitating expansion and adaptation to different economic and social contexts. Multicultural teams tend to offer diverse perspectives, improving decision-making and problem-solving abilities. A study by McKinsey revealed that companies with greater cultural and ethnic diversity are more profitable compared to less diverse ones.
For cultural integration to be successful, it is crucial to invest in intercultural training programs, promote open communication, and implement policies that encourage inclusion in a practical and continuous manner. Strategies such as mentoring between employees from different backgrounds and the celebration of various cultural events contribute to creating a more welcoming and productive environment.
The shortage of labor in Europe has led companies to adopt innovative measures to attract workers. According to EURES, initiatives such as increasing wages, offering additional benefits, and providing flexible working hours have proven effective. Some concrete examples include a hotel in Croatia that increased salaries and provided accommodation to attract multilingual staff, and a French company that implemented hiring bonuses and additional perks to draw talent from other regions.
Another fundamental approach to addressing the shortage of professionals involves training local workers and repurposing underutilized talent. Examples of this can be seen everywhere, such as bus driver training in Cyprus and specialized data science internships in the Netherlands, demonstrating how investing in skill development can be a sustainable and mutually beneficial solution.
In conclusion, in an increasingly global labor market, the ability to attract and integrate talent from diverse cultures has become an unavoidable competitive advantage. Companies that recognize and implement inclusive practices will be better positioned to face future challenges, promoting innovation, sustainable growth, and richer, more collaborative work environments. If the business is global, what better way to evolve than by “bringing the world” into the organization?
Article by Sérgio Almeida, in partnership with Vida Económica.