Hygiene and grooming, eating habits, dress and conduct vary from country to country, and may not meet the American norm. Some employees are culturally programmed not to look a supervisor in the eye or admit to errors, while others may find Americans overly friendly, aggressive or rude. Unfortunately, most people interpret other cultures through the standards of their own and ascribe negative motivations for undesirable behaviors they don't understand. If you let people flounder and hunt for themselves as they integrate into a new culture, you may have problems. Ways to help Major Keresztes suggests easing employees into their new environment with pre-service or familiarization training over a period of days or weeks.
American companies can send materials to a new employee, and establish a communication link.
He points out that the biggest scare for most people is the unknown, especially when language skills are not up to par. A sponsor can answer questions and alleviate some of the fear. Then, make plans to welcome that employee and keep up the communication. Make the employee feel a part of the team, and important to the team. His second suggestion is to make sure the employee's survival needs can be met.