Photo by RET in Türkiye

Article by Ali Selim Kara, Communications Officer for RET in Türkiye

ANKARA, TÜRKIYE – From January 16–17, 2025, RET International organized a comprehensive workshop titled “Managing Recruitment, Adaptation, and Motivation Processes” as part of the Mapping Skills and Employment Pathways in Central Anatolia project.

Held in Kayseri and Aksaray, the workshop aimed to enhance the skills and capacities of HR professionals and managers from public and private sectors. By the end of the sessions, participants gained practical strategies to manage recruitment processes effectively while promoting inclusion and employee motivation.

Photos by RET

Mapping Skills and Employment Pathways

Türkiye hosts the world’s largest refugee population, with individuals facing critical challenges such as limited access to education, healthcare, and employment. Recognizing these barriers, the Mapping Skills and Employment Pathways in Central Anatolia project was launched to address the specific needs of refugees under international protection and temporary protection, as well as vulnerable host community members.

This project focuses on identifying the skills, qualifications, and experiences of individuals in Kayseri and Aksaray to facilitate their integration into the labor market. It aims to bridge the gap between job seekers from refugee and host communities and potential employers by providing tailored consultancy, and training services. Supported by the UK Embassy in Ankara and implemented by RET International in partnership with LEAP, the project actively promotes formal employment and socio-economic well-being.

Photos by RET

Why a Workshop?

To tackle barriers in employment and enhance workforce integration, this workshop brought together 42 participants (19 from Kayseri and 23 from Aksaray) representing a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction. The event targeted HR professionals, business owners, and managers, focusing on their critical role in creating inclusive workplaces and effectively managing diverse teams.

To help us continue this critical work with refugees in Türkiye and around the world, make a donation to RET today.

Highlights from the Workshop

The workshop, facilitated by experienced trainers, was divided into four interactive sessions. In the morning sessions, trainer Ms. Koşar shared strategies on onboarding and employee orientation. Through an engaging puzzle activity, participants explored the parallels between effective HR practices and teamwork. This exercise highlighted the importance of coordination and adaptability in the recruitment process.

Participants discussed challenges in hiring foreign workers, including bureaucratic barriers, language issues, and workplace bias. Positive examples of foreign worker contributions, particularly in the skilled labor force, were also shared.

Photo by RET

The afternoon sessions featured an engaging ball-throwing activity designed to demonstrate the importance of setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) goals in team dynamics and motivation. Participants were divided into small groups and tasked with passing a ball through various checkpoints within a set time limit, simulating a workplace project with clearly defined objectives.

As teams strategized to improve their performance, they naturally incorporated SMART principles. The activity highlighted how SMART goals can enhance teamwork, foster accountability, and improve individual and group performance. Participants reflected on how these principles could be applied to their own workplaces, particularly in setting achievable targets for recruitment, and team motivation.

Lastly, Mr. Akyol -an experienced livelihoods specialist- led a group activity session on diversity and inclusion, where participants debated hiring criteria and shared practices for managing workplace dynamics effectively. Groups analyzed their recruitment and selection processes, focusing on inclusive practices and addressing biases. Practical solutions for managing diversity and improving employee retention were identified.

Why It Matters

This workshop played a vital role in equipping HR professionals with practical tools to create inclusive and adaptive work environments. Trainer Ms. Koşar emphasized the importance of linking theoretical concepts to real-world applications, stating, “Building an inclusive workplace is not only about addressing immediate hiring needs but also about creating a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.”

To help us continue this critical work with refugees in Türkiye and around the world, make a donation to RET today.