Table 2 Example of the analyses process

We find it very exciting to work in a multicultural environment, and I have heard from others as well that it is very exciting. It’s both to know each other and to develop. There’s a difference between cultures, sometimes it can be a little difficult if you don’t know what’s common in your culture, but if you’ve worked with different people for a long time, you get used to it. It’s exciting to know about different countries, we taste food from different countries, and we help each other. (Participant 2)

Those who have a multicultural background have a greater understanding, or if you have worked with multicultural people for a long time. We also had a leader who was Norwegian and who had worked with foreign people for a long time, and she had a lot of understanding; she understood the employees. You must work well together, understand them, have respect, and then you get it back. If you don’t respect and understand them, then you don’t get the help you require or, that work environment … It affects the working environment very much if you understand them. (Participant 1)

Understanding across cultures

Exiting with different cultures

Multicultural background and diversity

Respect for diversity

Knowing the employees’ background

Greater understanding of diversity at work

Shared experiences from multicultural environments

Understanding diversity through shared norms and multicultural experience