Refugees and migrants
Exploring the challenges faced by people who leave their countries of origin due to war, violence, persecution, economic instability, climate change or who migrate voluntarily
Refugees and migrants
This work area is dedicated to exploring and addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by people who leave their countries of origin due to war, violence, persecution, economic instability, and/or climate change, as well as those who migrate voluntarily for various reasons.
With a significant increase in both forced and voluntary migration globally over the last decades, migration impacts nearly every part of the world and forced migration constitutes one of today’s most pressing grand societal challenges.
Given the need to support people from refugee and migrant backgrounds in re-establishing their lives and careers post-migration, and the clear relevance of migration to present debates in workplaces and societies, this work area recognises the critical need to address the complex issues surrounding both forced and voluntary migration.
This area leverages work and organisational psychology (WOP) to enhance the understanding and support of people from refugee and migrant backgrounds as they navigate their new environments. We are dedicated to improving the lives of these individuals through comprehensive research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practice. By understanding and addressing their unique challenges, we strive to facilitate their positive integration into the new societies and workplaces.
Given the complex nature of both forced and voluntary migration, it is crucial to understand the broader implications of resettlement and integration for both the individuals and the receiving societies. This involves examining the psychological effects of forced and voluntary migration, developing effective policies and practices for positive integration, and understanding the perspectives of various stakeholders, including employers, policymakers, and service providers. We are committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration among these stakeholders and we seek to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application.
By bringing together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, this work area seeks to create a space for open conversations, facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations, develop evidence-based interventions, and generate a research agenda that addresses pressing issues related to forced or voluntary migration. Through these efforts, we aim to generate insights and practical solutions that contribute to the positive resettlement and integration of people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
Unpacking the Role of Work and Organizational Psychology for Forced Migration and Displacement
Small Group Meeting | June 2024
This EAWOP SGM took place at Italy's Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali (LUISS) Guido Carli.
Organisers
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Katja Wehrle | Justus-Liebig-University Giessen
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Ute-Christine Klehe | Justus-Liebig-University Giessen
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Nicole Alonso | LUISS
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Rosalind Searle | University of Glasgow
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Sofija Pajic | Radboud University
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Annabel Buiter | Radboud University
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Yvonne van Rossenberg | Radboud University
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Franziska Koessler | Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
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Varuni Wimalasiri | University of Aberdeen.
Contributions
Nineteen contributions were accepted for the SGM, encompassing three digital impact panels/summits, two sessions dedicated to lived experiences, five unconference sessions, and nine lightning talks.
The program was structured around these contributions, organizing them into daily themes:
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The plurality of migration experiences,
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stakeholder perspectives and engagement in refugee and migrant workplace integration, and
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doing research with refugees and migrants: Ethical and methodological considerations.
Key highlights
Researchers and practitioners from around the world gathered to share their work and tackle the challenges faced by people from forced migration and displacement backgrounds.
The SGM benefited from its association with EAWOPii, focusing on engaging, informing, and influencing policymakers with evidence and insights derived from work and organizational psychology (WOP) research and practice.
The event addressed urgent issues related to forced migration and displacement by fostering conversations and discussions among various stakeholders. It emphasized tailoring research to the lived experiences and practical problems these stakeholders face, promoting collaborations, and developing practical tools to build a sustainable WOP.
A key highlight was hearing first-hand accounts from individuals who had been forced to leave their homes and rebuild their lives in new countries. These individuals shared the social, professional, and familial challenges and successes they encountered throughout their resettlement journeys.
Relatedly, additional highlights were the non-traditional formats that the SGM utilized, as they emphasized active participation and co-creation. The event was viewed as an incubator for the development of ideas, objectives, and a research agenda for upcoming topics and challenges in the field.
Another key highlight was the living art exhibition “That’s how I create peace” by Catrin Geldmacher from the non-profit organization Weltreise durch Wohnzimmer e.V. At the end of the first day, Catrin displayed the artwork of people from refugee and migrant backgrounds and shared the stories behind their art with the participants.
Participants
There were 30 participants – academics and practitioners – from across the world, including Europe, Australia, USA, and Africa.
Esteemed organizations such as UNHCR Italia, Agenzia ONU per i Rifugiati, The Salvation Army Australia – Asylum Seeker and Refugee Service Melbourne, and Re:Source Cleveland contributed valuable insights on supporting people from forced and displaced backgrounds during resettlement.
Research centers like the Deakin Centre for Refugee Employment, Advocacy, Training and Education (CREATE) shared their expertise on providing support and enabling the rebuilding of careers through meaningful employment, vocational training, and education.
The meeting concluded with an engaging discussion space on the research and policies needed to better support those who have been displaced, including a future collaboration session in cooperation with the EAWOPii. During this, the group brainstormed on the meeting outcomes and key deliverables for future EAWOPii activities.
Outcomes
Overall, the SGM fostered the development of a network of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, enhancing these stakeholders’ awareness and understanding of one another to advance knowledge and policy on forced migration and displacement.
Tangible scientific outcomes encompassed the presentations and the ensuing discussions, which offered fresh perspectives for study.
The presentations and discussions also highlighted key areas where further practical and policy implications and resources are needed as well as directions for future research.
Insights from lived experiences and practitioners facilitated a deeper understanding of each stakeholder’s needs, motivations, and perspectives, pinpointing the real-world challenges faced by diverse stakeholders in the context of forced migration and displacement research and practice.
These insights underscored the topics of importance and interest that require further study, introducing new perspectives and guidance to the field.
Brainstorming sessions
Participants took part in brainstorming sessions to create a more detailed map of the stakeholder ecosystem, exploring strategies to effectively address the needs of various stakeholders.
In the event, we also bundled initiatives and mapped key deliverables for policy and practice.