In Malaysia, most of the companies from SME to international corporations rely on foreign labour to sustain their productivity needs. Companies are required to deal with the various laws and regulations governing the employment of foreign labour, while at the same time, take care of the internal management of the foreign workforce.
Here, we have laid out some of the common challenges faced by employers with regard to the foreign worker recruitment, and some practical guidelines to help employers.
Communication problem
Due to the language barrier, most managers reported difficulty in communicating instruction and company policies to the foreign workers. This could potentially contribute to the risk of accidents or misalignment of work assignment among foreign workers. While most foreign workers get adapted to the local language over some time, it is important for companies to have simple system in place to overcome communication barrier arising from recruitment of foreign worker.
Generally, having frequent meetings to iron out problems in understanding the nature of work, employment conditions, as well as information regarding occupational safety and health, will largely increase productivity and improve workers’ performance. Employers can make use of visual tools like infographics or videos to improve the effectiveness of message delivery.
Culture different
Coming from a different background with different growing up process, it is not uncommon to see foreign workers taking different perspective at work or in their personal life. If this is not managed properly, it could easily lead to social problems such as gang fights, break-ins, dishonesty at work, or even lifestyle issues like the social habits of unproperly dressed in public area.
To prevent social problems arising from foreign worker recruitment that are caused by cultural difference, employers can opt for a simple cultural orientation to be conducted upon their arrival to Malaysia. While they may not fit in well into the living community of local residents, employers may opt for accommodation placement with centralised hostel management.
Abscondment
Foreign worker recruitment can ease operational bottleneck, but also bring problems along the way. From absenteeism to abscondment (workers running away), these are the commonly reported problems that can cause serious disruptions to the company’s course of work.
One of the effective ways of dealing with absenteeism and abscondment is to manage these workers under centralised hostel management. By having time management system and transportation service to monitor workers’ attendance, it can effectively minimize number of workers absconding, as well as preventing labour disputes and promoting harmonious industrial relations.
South Gate is a foreign worker agency providing manpower supply, foreign worker recruitment and visa application services. Having dealt with foreign workers management for many years, we truly understand employers’ challenges and thus, we are able to provide the necessary service such as foreign labour discipline management and counselling sessions
In need of additional support for foreign worker related issues? South Gate has you covered, contact us for further help
Malaysia