The Interviews – first hand knowledge

In the EASWork project, we conducted interviews with individuals with immigrant background to explore the challenges they face in accessing the workforce in Finland and Estonia. These semi-structured interviews typically lasted between 30-60 minutes, designed to maintain a conversational tone while ensuring relevant topics were covered. Prior to each interview, participants were briefed on the project’s objectives and how their interview data would be used and handled. Upon understanding this, participants provided consent by signing a form to participate in the project.

Interviews were conducted in the language most comfortable for the participant. In cases where the interviewer and participant did not share a common language, an interpreter facilitated communication. With the participant’s permission, interviews were recorded and later transcribed into text format. To  protect  anonymity, all interview materials were anonymized to ensure the individual’s identity could not be discerned.

Analysis of the interview data revealed several key challenges faced by individuals with immigrant background in employment, including e.g. language and professional skills, discrimination, racism, cultural differences, and exploitation. Among these, inadequate language skills emerged as the most prevalent barrier to employment. Participants highlighted difficulties in e.g. understanding job advertisements, responding to interview questions, onboarding a job, and integrating into the workplace community due to language barriers.

Drawing from these insights, our next steps involve collaborating with organizations currently employing or interested in employing individuals with immigrant background. Together, the EASWork project team and these organizations will develop and implement new anti-discrimination policies aimed at supporting the employment of immigrants. This collaborative effort not only addresses barriers to employment but also provides organizations with access to a diverse and often underutilized workforce.