As 2024 draws to a close, we are delighted to reflect on an exceptional year marked by milestones and significant achievements. From advancing key initiatives to strengthening our community, 2024 has been a year of growth and collaboration.
This year, Welcome Hub Agder (WHA) made progress in several areas and we are proud to share some key highlights.
WHA is committed to fully realising the potential of the Welcome Alliance in 2025. Conceptualised by WHA, the alliance aims to help businesses and organisations in Agder overcome fierce competition in attracting and retaining skilled labour.
In order to achieve this goal, the Welcome Alliance will collaborate with businesses to develop and help implement effective solutions to address this challenge.
Amongst the services offered by the Welcome Alliance, is the Open Doors concept which will create more opportunities for businesses and internationals to connect and network.
In addition, the Talent Hub programme will also be further developed to connect more internationals with networks and businesses.
The holiday spirit was in full swing during our julemingling or Christmas mingling event last weekend. Colleagues and internationals gathered to celebrate the season, share stories, and enjoy a traditional Norwegian treat - risgrøt - or rice porridge.
A standout moment was the traditional porridge game, where Julija Rukanskaite emerged as the lucky winner of a gift, after discovering an almond in her bowl. Congratulations, Julija!
As we celebrate the holiday season, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every team member, all of our partners, WHA members, and supporters who contributed to our success in 2024. Your collaboration helps us drive meaningful change.
From all of us at Welcome Hub, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with abundant possibilities and exciting opportunities!
The creation of a Welcome Alliance is one of the key initiatives that can help businesses and organisations in Agder overcome fierce competition in attracting and retaining skilled labour, according to a recent study RECRUIT delivered by NORCE and Agdering.
The study highlights that more than half of those who move to Agder for work leave within four years. This high turnover rate not only disrupts businesses but also undercuts the region's potential for sustainable growth. To tackle this, the Welcome Alliance provides a structured framework for fostering a welcoming culture and creating a supportive, inclusive environment where international workers and their families can thrive.
Spearheaded by Welcome Hub Agder, the Welcome Alliance connects stakeholders across private, public and civil society sectors. It offers resources, connections, and opportunities to align on strategies to address shared challenges. This ecosystem approach ensures that businesses, municipalities, and other partners can pool resources and drive collective impact while meeting their specific needs.
Key services provided through the Welcome Alliance include:
The alliance also supports broader regional goals, including Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, by helping businesses strengthen their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and aligning them with social sustainability priorities.
The Welcome Alliance builds on the region’s strengths by emphasising business buy-in and active participation. Members gain access to talent pipelines, training, and strategic initiatives while contributing through community involvement and financial support. Programmes like Inclusion Excellence Certification and OpenDoors offer measurable ways to showcase inclusivity.
Megan Sommer Strand, CEO at Welcome Hub highlights the importance of collective community efforts.
“This alliance bridges gaps that no single business or individual can address alone. By uniting diverse stakeholders, the Welcome Alliance creates meaningful solutions that make integration smoother and deliver lasting benefits for both businesses and the community."
- Megan Sommer Strand, CEO Welcome Hub Agder
In addition to the Welcome Alliance, the study also calls for,
By committing to these initiatives and working across sectors, Agder can transform its challenges into opportunities, positioning itself as a leading destination for talent from Norway and beyond. The Welcome Alliance is not just about welcoming talent—it’s about creating a region where people want to stay, grow, and contribute for the long term.
Welcome Hub Agder’s recent Job Start Course marked a significant milestone by emphasising the importance of mental well-being for international job seekers. For the first time, the course introduced a positive psychology approach to reframing the job search experience, shifting the narrative from struggle to opportunity.
The inclusion of well-being as a key theme reflects the growing recognition that the job search journey is not just a professional endeavour but also a deeply personal one. Through the lens of positive psychology, participants were encouraged to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to prioritise flourishing in all aspects of life.
This transformative perspective highlights that life is about thriving, not merely enduring, according to Life and Business Coach Nora Clarke from Mindset Therapy and Coaching Kristiansand, who presented on the topic at the course.
“It empowers individuals to remain resilient, resourceful, and connected, even when faced with challenges. By focusing on holistic well-being, international job seekers can move beyond survival, achieving not just professional success but also a fulfilling life in the country they now call home.”
- Life and Business Coach, Nora Clarke
A positive psychology approach is built on thriving in key domains of life encapsulated in the PERMA model.
| P – Positive Emotions: Cultivating positive emotions because they enhance resilience , foster motivation and improve mental health. E – Engagement: Immersing oneself fully in meaningful activities such as hobbies or volunteer work can provide a sense of fulfilment. R – Relationships: Building strong social connections, both personally and professionally, to create a sense of belonging. M – Meaning: Pursuing a sense of purpose through one’s work, a social or political cause, a creative endeavour or a religious/spiritual belief. A – Accomplishment: Setting and achieving goals that provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. |
The success of this course was made possible through the collaboration of dedicated partners who came together to curate a programme tailored to the unique needs of international job seekers. Their contributions ensured a comprehensive and supportive experience for all participants. So far, 30% of participants have successfully secured a job after completing the course.
As part of this year’s course, a Job Start Special presentation was held to explore the possibilities of entrepreneurship in Norway. The crash course focused on developing a business idea, the importance of identifying the customer and following through with an action plan. This addition reflects the course’s commitment to fostering a diverse range of pathways for success. e of pathways for success.
Welcome Hub extends our heartfelt thanks to all our partners and participants who contributed to yet another successful programme, reaffirming the shared goal of creating a thriving community for all participants.
In partnership with TEDxArendal and its collaborators, Welcome Hub Agder transformed the backyard of Torvgata 7 into a vibrant space for connection and self-reflection on November 1st. This open-door event, inspired by TEDxArendal’s 2024 theme of Open Doors, encouraged guests to embrace new experiences, meet new people, and explore unfamiliar spaces.
At Welcome Hub Agder, fostering inclusion and building community are at the heart of what we do. Together with TEDxArendal partners, we created a warm, inviting atmosphere that challenged visitors to step out of their comfort zones—both figuratively and literally—by engaging in activities designed to reveal their true fears and push personal boundaries.
This collaborative effort, involving volunteers and partners from diverse backgrounds,
fostered an inclusive and welcoming environment.
One such volunteer, Karolina Struczewska, a recent newcomer from Poland, was thrilled to be part of this event. Having moved to Arendal earlier this year, Karolina was eager to meet new people and build meaningful connections.
"This experience gave me so much. I met new people, contributed to a meaningful cause, and felt a strong sense of belonging. It reinforced my desire to stay engaged and involved in the local community, and share my skills and passion.”
- Karolina Struczewska, a volunteer at Open Doors at Welcome Hub's backyard.
Karolina believes the Open Doors idea is incredibly important and should be discussed in the public arena.
“Both Norwegians and foreigners need to open doors for one another. As a newcomer, I deeply respect Norwegian culture and traditions. However, I find it challenging to fully integrate and become part of this wonderful society. This is why I believe the Open Doors concept is so necessary—it encourages mutual understanding and connection, which benefits everyone,“ she said.
Her sentiments align closely with those highlighted in Welcome Hub's CEO, Megan Sommer Strand's TEDx talk, where she explored how small acts can start with a simple welcome.
Welcome Hub Agder will continue to champion the Open Doors concept in 2025 and is committed to creating more opportunities for meaningful connections and personal growth. Are you ready to open your heart and mind to new possibilities?
Welcome Hub Agder (WHA) recently had the opportunity to participate in two key events focused on attracting and retaining international talent.
Copenhagen: International Citizen Days, 26th-27th September 2024
WHA alongside representatives from the Arendal Municipality, visited Copenhagen for International Citizen Days, an event that has grown significantly over the years to more than 5,000 participants and 160 organisations this year. With 23% of Copenhagen’s citizens having an international background, the city has become a hub of cultural diversity and talent integration.
"Copenhagen’s commitment to welcoming international talent is inspiring, and it’s exciting to see that we in Arendal are offering similar services, just on a smaller scale. We are on par with major metropolitan areas like Gothenburg, Bologna, Barcelona, Helsinki, and Brno in terms of our activities and services", said WHA's Tonje Holand Salgado who attended the event.
This visit has inspired WHA to bring back new ideas and initiatives as Arendal embarks on its own journey to become a more inclusive and globally connected city.
Utrecht: Cities for Talent, 2nd-4th October 2024
WHA also participated in the Cities for Talent event, hosted by the Utrecht International Center in the Netherlands. This gathering brought together 24 international centres and government organisations from across Europe, all focused on talent attraction and retention.
"Collaborating across Europe through networks like the European Talent Alliance and attending events such as Cities for Talent is invaluable. These platforms allow us to stay close to emerging trends and learn from each other.” said Salgado who was also at the event.
Through engaging workshops and insightful exchanges, these events have given WHA valuable tools and strategies to strengthen our own talent retention efforts. However, to continue attracting international talent, a greater collaboration between businesses, local municipalities, and regional authorities is needed. Together, we can create a region that international talent not only wants to move to but also stay in the long term.
WHA is excited to implement these learnings and continue to foster a welcoming environment for international talent in the Agder region!
Contact:
Tonje Holand Salgado
Email: tonje@welcomehub.no
Last week, Morrow Batteries officially inaugurated its cutting-edge battery factory in Arendal, a milestone event as it marks Europe’s first gigawatt-scale factory for Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries.
In attendance to officiate the ceremony was Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre. In his speech, Støre drew parallels to industrial pioneer Sam Eyde, who "opened the gate to the world" when he set the hammer in motion at Nes Jernverk, putting Agder on the map as an industrial hub exporting goods to Europe and beyond. Today, Morrow is reimagining these gates with a workforce from 29 nations, highlighting the power of human collaboration in driving the innovation crucial for the green shift.
Morrow is a key partner for Welcome Hub Agder (WHA), which was established following Morrow’s decision to set up in Arendal in 2021. WHA supports international talent relocating to the region, helping them navigate local systems, secure housing, and build social networks. This support is essential for companies like Morrow, which rely on international expertise.
We were delighted to meet and mingle with several Morrow employees at the ceremony, especially Ramya Sri Alluri, a familiar face at WHA. She secured a job at Morrow after attending WHA’s job start course for spouses in March this year.
Congratulations Morrow! We look forward to our continued collaboration to make Agder an attractive place for international talent to thrive and stay.
Contact:
Tonje Holand Salgado
Email: tonje@welcomehub.no
What motivates companies to recruit internationals? What strategies and support have companies put in place to address the challenges of integrating international newcomers? What needs do internationals have and what challenges do they face in trying to settle down in Agder?
These are just a few of the many pertinent questions that were raised at the recent Recruit Project workshop held at Welcome Hub Agder. The research project is aimed at addressing the challenges of the labour market in Agder through cross-sector collaboration. The end goal is to enhance the region’s attractiveness to and competitiveness for skilled professionals.
As such, the workshop focused on the journeys, needs and challenges faced by companies as they try to navigate the complicated process of attracting and more importantly retaining international talent. At the same time, the workshop also shined the spotlight on the obstacles that internationals themselves face in trying to settle down and integrate in Agder.
In attendance were presenters and representatives from several companies and organisations in Agder and Oslo including Agdering, Agder Fylkeskommune, Morrow Batteries, Norse Atlantic Airways, Gard, Byrådsavdeling for kultur og næring (Oslo), Cisco (Oslo), Invest in Agder, Eyde-klyngen, Hands Fund, Innoventi, MHWirth, Noroff, Tekna, The Network Sørlandet, UiA, Viking and also internationals and accompanying spouses.
Key takeaways from discussions at the workshop on the challenges of recruiting international talent are that:
Internationals, on the other hand, highlighted two major challenges that they face when settling down in Agder:
The lack of job opportunities for spouses and concerns about the overall well-being of the family are the two push factors for internationals leaving Agder.
Solutions offered to address these challenges included:
Attendees left with a better grasp of a wide range of complex issues and received valuable insights and some clear and actionable steps to help improve the hiring and retaining of internationals. If a diverse and inclusive workforce is indeed the goal, then it is now up to society at large to find solutions and more importantly effectuate these solutions with sincerity and some urgency.
If you would like to know more about how your business can get involved in this project, contact Ingvild Jensen at Agdering.
Contact:
Kamachi Ruthramurthi-Nilssen
Email: kamachi@welcomehub.no
Welcome Hub Agder is delighted to introduce and welcome our new team members, Tonje Holand Salgado and Tove Hardaway.
Tonje will be the driving force behind one of our key initiatives - the Talent Hub programme. The programme comprises courses and seminars devoted to helping internationals secure a job and also Agder’s very first Talent Database which allows them to register their skills and competencies. The ultimate aim of the programme is to bridge the gap between businesses seeking diverse talent and the skilled internationals eager to enter the job market.
"By welcoming newcomers and showcasing our city and region, we help people thrive, build close relationships, and find meaningful jobs that foster a sense of belonging. Newcomers offer fresh perspectives and opportunities. I believe both residents and businesses in Agder need to be challenged to open their minds and arms to newcomers, both Norwegian and internationals. It all starts with a warm, welcoming smile," said Tonje.
In addition to professional integration, Welcome Hub places great emphasis on community involvement through our other new initiative - Community Hub. Tove, with almost two decades of volunteering experience, will head this project which is funded by Gjensidigestiftelsen.
Community Hub seeks to encourage internationals to engage with local activities and social networks. Tove firmly believes that by providing opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the community, newcomers experience a key aspect of Norwegian life and go on to build lasting connections.
“I love to see people thrive and connect through volunteering work. I believe this initiative will generate networks and long-lasting friendships, and a wish to stay on and live in Agder forever,” Tove said.
With a bigger team of professionals from diverse backgrounds, skills and experiences, Welcome Hub is better poised to empower international talent and support their integration into the vibrant community of Agder.
“As we look to the future, our focus is on promoting the wealth of international talent already residing in the area and facilitating connections between these individuals and local businesses. With these initiatives, Welcome Hub Agder is committed to creating a welcoming environment where international talents can thrive, contribute, and feel at home,” said CEO of Welcome Hub, Megan Strand.
Contact:
Kamachi Ruthramurthi-Nilssen
Email: kamachi@welcomehub.no
The Community Hub will launch three new projects open to both internationals and Norwegians this year.
This follows a recent workshop it conducted which brought together people interested in participating in volunteer projects.
Participants from 15 different countries showed up to share their thoughts and interests and settled on three projects to work on - Salsa Classes, Cooking Classes and Hiking Trips.
Efforts to get the classes up and running are now underway. Project Manager of Community Hub, Tove Hardaway says there is a fair bit of work to be done but everyone is excited to see the projects take shape.
“Together with the participants, we are now organising committees to undertake the necessary arrangements to get these projects up and running. This includes scheduling sessions, securing resources, and marketing these classes. We all can’t wait to see these classes take off,” says Hardaway.
The Community Hub is Welcome Hub Agder’s latest volunteer initiative aimed at connecting internationals and Norwegians through fun-filled activities that also help internationals to build a social network. By doing so, internationals moving to Agder will have a more fulfilling life and be encouraged to stay for the long run.
Contact
Tove Hardaway
Email: tove@welcomehub.no
