Tips for Employers

If your company has Somali employees, here are some tips for working together:
1. Somalis like to work and enjoy working in groups.
2. Somalis are eager to ask questions. They prefer clear instructions as to what their job requires.
3. Some Somalis are in the process of learning basic skills related to working and living in this country, such as: taking the bus to work, writing checks, etc.
4. Social status is important to Somalis. Therefore, a supervisor should reprimand a Somali employee privately.
5. Discourse in all forms is a part of Somali culture. If a Somali employee argues about an issue, this is considered a normal way of interacting among Somalis.
6. Somalis are Muslim and their religion is very important to them. Somali employees may request a short break and private place for prayer during the workday.
7. Shaking hands with a person of the opposite sex is considered rude in Islamic culture. Somali men may feel uncomfortable working for female supervisors because of traditional religious beliefs regarding women.