For some companies, acquiring stable colleagues overseas may seem a risk. Will the cultural gap be too wide? At FWH, we minimize gaps and risks — by embracing a model our developers quickly thrive in.
Everyone at our hub in Ho Chi Minh City works in permanent positions for Norwegian tech companies. This is quite unique for an international PEO. We are Norwegian, know Norway, and have chosen using our expertise to target this one segment only. Not simply to make our co-employers feel safe, but also because cultural integration provides the most efficient – and thus profitable – way of collaboration for our customers. Onboarding staff into the customer working culture is the alpha and omega of success.
So what do we do?
PUT YOUR SKILLS TO USE
FWH is built like a Norwegian workplace. From more visual features such as design and décor, to essential factors like operation. Flat structure is absolutely essential. We have created an environment where input, ideas and criticism from the developers are not only appreciated, but expected. This is not a given in an otherwise “vertical” run Asia. When we acquire a developer for a permanent position in a Norwegian company, we want someone who can unfold and use all their skills — and not just following instructions. That is why we screen candidates according to this criterion from the instant we start recruitment. We then follow up thoroughly during onboarding.
TRUST AND RESPONSIBILITY
When hired, you will have Norwegian colleagues, go scrum/agile, and become a key resource in your new environment. Software development in Norway is a team sport. Sharing insights and debating solutions is a given. Excessive control, sharp elbows and «protecting your own ideas» are particularly unheard of as traits in Norwegian IT. That’s why we spend a lot of time incorporating a recognizable Norwegian work culture mainly based on trust and responsibility.
The bonus is that Vietnamese developers really appreciate this model as soon as they get used to it. You get to use your entire scope of skills, which in turn increases motivation and well-being. Which again inspires to expand the scope. This is how a virtuous cycle starts.

HAPPINESS IS EFFECTIVE
Norwegians regularly scores high on international surveys about effectiveness at work. And, even higher when measuring happiness at work. Connecting the dots is easy. Our management style cultivates this relation. When you are seen, heard, trusted, respected and allowed to blossom skill-wise, together with your team mates and not in competition with them, you will be happy at work. Makes sense. Happy employees do not hide from their tasks. Making sure you are happy pretty much guarantees an effective return. This double positive is reflected by our staff: Both when talking the talk (through company reviews), but also when walking the walk (very low turnover).
DYNAMIC EDGE
Of course, Vietnamese developers also offer specific qualities and a certain edge which they successfully add to their Norwegian environments. This is a corner of the world where dynamics, energy and adaptability run Norway a high gait. Nevertheless, we believe that the adaptation to Norwegian work culture is essential, because it provides the most seamless collaboration within the Norwegian company. A smart football club doesn’t change their style of play because they pick up a new winger. They incorporate the qualities of the winger into their system, but surely allow him to attack.

– – –
Finally, we get back to the risk mentioned in the start. For our customers it feels secure to have Norwegian leadership to deal with if something needs to be addressed. All our co-employers mention this as a clear advantage of our service. We know our strength, and we’re going to keep improving this USP. It also makes us a safer choice as your employer.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
If you want to know how to build your career at Facilitated Work Hub, please get in touch. We are hiring: https://itviec.com/companies/outsourceit-international-vietnam
Comments are closed.