The UK has long been a multicultural nation and the impact can be seen in the diversity of talent in UK workplaces. According to research* in 2024 over two-thirds (68%) of UK workers have colleagues from different countries in their immediate workplace.

Workplace happiness higher in diverse companies

85% of Brits say they enjoy working with people from different countries and this has a positive correlation with people’s happiness with their employers. Almost three-quarters (74%) of those who have colleagues of a different nationality are happy with their employer – compared to 67% of those who don’t have foreign colleagues. Seven in 10 (70%) workers believe that having colleagues from different countries is important for bringing different perspectives

Workplace culture is also a benefactor of an international workforce. 80% of people with colleagues of a different nationality say they enjoy the culture in their workplace, compared to 62% of those who don’t have foreign colleagues. This is a sentiment echoed by senior business leaders too**: almost two-thirds (64%) say that international workers have positively impacted the culture of their business.

For these reasons, almost half (48%) of workers say they’d be more likely to accept a job at a company with an international workforce, than one without.

Karoli Hindriks, co-founder and CEO of Jobbatical, says: “The breadth of talent available to companies recruiting from a global talent pool is huge. Taking an international approach to hiring can not only fill vital skills gaps, but it can also help to keep hold of workers who want to work alongside talented, diverse colleagues.”

Offering international experiences for employees

Having international colleagues is not always enough. Companies’ post-pandemic acceptance of the need for more flexibility in how and where employees work, plus the digital nomad movement, has heightened demand for international experience amongst workers.

Despite this, less than a quarter (23%) of UK workers have moved abroad for work – but many more would like the opportunity to:

• 42% of UK workers would like to move to another country for work – the highest proportion being younger workers aged between 18 – 24 years old (57%)
• 55% want their employer to offer them the chance to work from a different country for a period of time (often known as a ‘workcation’)
• 57% of UK workers would be willing to relocate for a period of time if asked by an employer

For employers, adding global mobility into their employment offering may provide a crucial competitive advantage at a time when companies are struggling to attract and retain the right talent. As, according to Jobbatical’s research:

• 48% of workers would be more likely to accept a job at a company that offers the opportunity to relocate to a different country, than one that doesn’t – again, this is highest amongst younger workers aged between 18 – 24 years old (67%)
• 50% say being asked to move overseas would make them more likely to stay in a role for longer

Karoli Hindriks concludes: “Global mobility is increasingly becoming a non-negotiable for many workers. Companies that facilitate international opportunities for their teams will reap the benefits through a happier, more engaged and loyal workforce.” 

*Research from Jobbatical