Increasing the volume and effectiveness of return to work support will reduce the number of assignment refusals and will encourage mobility.
Two surveys
Two surveys were executed in the spring of 2015: a Global Connection expat partner survey (n = 199) and a joint Global Connection RES Forum Human Resources / Global Mobility survey (n = 58).
Assignment refusal
According to 96% of the Human Resources / Global Mobility respondents there is (probably) a link between assignment refusal and the concern of the expat partner about reentering the job market upon repatriation, while 86% feel that mobility can (probably) be encouraged by support.
Support scant and ineffective; partners unaware of what’s offered
88% of the partners were planning to return to work and 75% (both surveys) agree to a greater or lesser extent that support is important. 26% of the assigning organisations offer support. 62% of the spouses were not aware support options were available. The effectiveness of the support offered is rather low.
Most effective preparations
Most effective preparations for expat partners while living abroad are:
- networking
- paid job
- study
- own business
- volunteering
Most effective support forms
Most effective support forms are:
- consultancy and information about return to work
- (career) coaching and job market information
- personal tests
Timely preparations
Preparations should ideally start during the decision phase, before leaving the home country.
See also:
