How can local businesses attract and retain foreign-born workers?
As the demographics of our region shift, employers across the broader Kentuckiana area are recognizing a critical opportunity: foreign-born workers make up a growing share of our workforce, and they bring valuable skills, perspectives, and resilience to local industries. According to census data, roughly 10% of Kentuckiana’s population is foreign-born, and this group tends to be younger than the non-immigrant population- meaning they represent a key source of emerging talent.
To support local business in attracting, integrating and retaining this workforce, KentuckianaWorks has released the Employer Guide to Hiring & Retaining Foreign-Born Workers. This guide is designed specifically for companies in our region who want practical, reliable tools to create stronger, more inclusive talent pipelines from immigrant and refugee communities.
Why did we create this guide?
Through refugee employment conversations, focus groups, and surveys, employers consistently identified several pressing challenges:
Staying current with immigration law and employment eligibility
Addressing language and communication barriers
Navigating cultural differences in workplace norms
Providing reliable transportation options
Supporting onboarding and long-term integration
These conversations revealed a clear need for a consolidated resource to help employers hire confidently, support new employees effectively, and reduce turnover. The result is the Employer Guide to Hiring & Retaining Foreign-Born Workers.
What’s inside the Guide?
Hiring and Legal Compliance
Onboarding and Workplace Integration
Retention and Career Pathways
Local resources and Connections
Final Thoughts
The Employer Guide to Hiring & Retaining Foreign-Born Workers is an informational resource and part of our regional strategy for building a stronger, more inclusive economy. By adopting the practices outlined in the guide, employers can not only fill open roles but build workplaces where foreign-born employees thrive, contribute, and grow. Review the guide now to start investing in you company’s long-term stability and develop.