Not much has been shared about the challenges that new immigrants face in the workplace, but they’re definitely there. A lot of these challenges come from cultural differences and culture shocks that both sides struggle to get past.
I remember when I first arrived in the UK, I saw so many smiling faces and thought, “Wow, they must really like me!” Only to later realize that it’s just part of British culture to smile and greet people warmly, even when you’re not really on their mind. It’s quite different from Nigeria, where people smile and chat with you and genuinely mean it.
In Nigeria, many of us are used to being “seen and not heard.” Personally, I never talk about my achievements unless I’m in a job interview. But here in the UK, keeping quiet about your successes can make it seem like you don’t know what you’re doing. The UK work culture encourages you to talk about your achievements and make sure your colleagues see you in a good light. This is tough for many immigrants, because in addition to the anxiety of being around new and different people, you now have to learn to be open and vulnerable with them—even when you’re not sure you trust them yet. And while you’re quietly learning the ropes, you may come off as disengaged just because you’re not as outspoken.
My Advice for New Immigrants in the Workplace:
Be yourself; they’ll adjust. Staying quiet and hoping someone will understand you is corporate suicide. Speak clearly in your accent—people will make the effort to understand.
Do your research, but don’t hesitate to ask questions if needed. The culture in the UK is very judgmental. Every word or move you make is highly scrutinized, and first impressions stick like glue.
Watch what you say—there are no secrets here. Unlike back home, where people tend to keep quiet about things they hear, in the UK, anything you say might as well be broadcasted with a loudspeaker.
It’s okay to talk about yourself. In Nigeria, we’re taught to be humble and let our bosses shine, but in the UK workplace, your success depends on how you present yourself. Speaking confidently and owning your achievements will open doors and build trust with your colleagues and clients.
Take care of your mental health. Being an immigrant can be very stressful, and if you’ve already dealt with mental health struggles, they can get worse. It’s key to get help from your GP and build a small, supportive community that keeps you grounded.
My Advice for Employers of New Immigrants:
You’ll notice behaviors that may not match your expectations. Instead of making assumptions, ask questions and try to understand where they’re coming from. Many immigrants are guarded at first because they’re unsure who or what to trust. Be kind, not just with words but with actions, and offer reassurance that they can trust you.
Don’t be afraid to show curiosity and ask questions. I know there’s a lot of sensitivity around race and ethnicity, but trust me, asking questions makes immigrants feel seen and heard. It shows you’re trying to understand us. Otherwise, it’s easy for us to assume the worst, especially if the relationship has been distant.
Immigrants learn through frequent interactions. It takes time to understand the culture here, and there will be mistakes along the way—saying or doing the wrong things. But eventually, we catch on. The worst thing you can do is sideline an immigrant in the workplace. It leaves them feeling isolated and wondering what everyone else is thinking.
Offer guidance as part of the exchange. In return for our skills and hard work, we sometimes need help adjusting to the local culture and ways of doing things. Some immigrants are well-traveled and don’t need much help, but others do. It’s up to you to offer that guidance.
I was lucky enough to have Mandy, my first employer, as a boss. At first, it was just the two of us working together, which made it easier to make mistakes and learn. She was kind enough to point out where I went wrong and teach me. She introduced me to British recipes that I still use today, taught me about horse racing (which I was interested in at the time), and gave me tips on parenting in the UK—trust me, it’s very different here! She also helped me soften the tone of my emails, which were too direct in the beginning, and guided me on how to be warmer in my communication. Mandy shared stories and experiences that helped me understand British culture better. Although I eventually left because I burned out—it’s a lot to adjust to!—I’ll always appreciate her. She felt like family in this strange, new country, and I’m grateful that our paths crossed when they did.