World Refugee Day 2023: Explore the Potentials of Hiring Refugees

Celebrate World Refugee Day 2023 and discover the advantages of including refugees in your workforce.

Refugees are someone who has been forced to flee their home country because of persecution, war, or violence. There are approximately 89.3 million refugees by the end of 2021, according to the United Nation Refugee Agency (UNHCR). However, 62% of refugees live in countries with restricted access to formal employment, resulting in two-thirds of refugees living in poverty.

Unequivocally, underemployment is a problem in the refugee community. The problem lies in these two things: one, most employers think hiring refugees is costly legal-wise; two, they think refugees aren’t prepared for work because they come from “poor countries” with inferior education systems.

Maria Clara Martin, the UNHCR Representative in Greece, said "study has shown that, if properly supported, refugees can add unique value to businesses." Even though Martin delivered her speech to promote refugees residing in Greece at that time, her proposition also urged other host countries. She added, “diverse workforces increase productivity and stimulate innovation.”

Indeed, hiring refugees is one way to enrich your business, and it is necessary. This article has compiled a list of benefits of including refugees in your team to celebrate World Refugee Day 2023.

Increase Diversity

As stated above, one way to add a fresh perspective to your business is by hiring refugees. Having a diverse team is essential because it will potentially increase productivity. The more diverse your team is, the more ideas and points of view your company will get because of the differences in backgrounds and cultures.

Expand the Consumer Base

The benefits extend beyond the internal team. Having employees from different cultures can broaden the company’s consumer base. For instance, having a multilingual team makes it easier for your company to reach a wider market and overcome language barriers. It also means your company will have a better understanding of the nuances of your product.

Increase Retention Rate

Many refugees are engaged in their work because getting a stable job means so much to them. SHRM cited a 2018 study by the Fiscal Policy Institute, saying that refugees tend to stay at their companies longer than the average worker. Their dedication and retention can help your company minimize employee turnover expenses. Also, they could potentially motivate other team members with their commitment and hard work. 

Strengthen Employer Branding

“By hiring refugees, employers show that their organization cares,” said George Tsunis, the US Ambassador to Greece. Nowadays, consumers expect brands to take stances on social issues. By hiring refugees, your company demonstrates a commitment to corporate social responsibility and shows the business’ social consciousness. 

Boost Brand Reputation

As an extension of the previous point, a socially aware brand always wins consumers’ hearts. Consumers are more likely to recommend brands that they believe make a positive difference in the world. This means that being socially aware can be a major factor in your company’s long-term success.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, celebrating World Refugee Day is a great opportunity to show your company’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. As Panagiota Lampropoulou, the Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Hellas, stated, “the world around us is changing and many businesses acknowledge this diversity as an opportunity.” By hiring refugees, you can benefit your team, your business, and also the world.

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