Partner support demand

Our Global Connection Partner Support Demand Survey 2013 (n=588) revealed the following ranking for support demand…

Ranking support demand

Stages:

1. Settling in (25%)
2. Pre-departure (21%)
3. Pre-decision (15%)
4. Pre-repatriation (12%)
5. Repatriation (11%)
6. Settled (10%)
7. Repatriated (5%)

Areas:

1. Destination (26%)
2. Life abroad (24%)
3. Networking (15%)
4. Paid work (14%)
5. Alternatives (10%)
6. Repatriation (10%)
7. Other (1%)

Forms:

1. Media (36%)
2. Personal support* (34%)
3. Networks / local meetings (15%)
4. Networks / local meetings (15%)

* Needs Assessment, coaching, training and support desk

According to a joint Global Connection RES Forum HR survey (n=91)*, personal support was by far the most important support form perceived by HR, while media obtained only a number 4 ranking.

53% skipped the wish to work

According to the partner survey, 53% of expat partners who intended to work abroad changed their plans once they were there. The reasons were ranked as follows:

1. The limitations of expat life (42%)
2. Option to change course (35%)
3. No suitable jobs (32%)
4. Limited number of vacation days (27%)
5. Cannot get a work permit (25%)
6. Low pay (24%)
7. Other, e.g. no part-time jobs (13%)

Interestingly, HR’s perception was that the lack of suitable jobs and work permit restrictions were the main reasons why expat partners changed their wish to work.

Decreased satisfaction due to increasing demand

The 24% rise in non-family-related activities of partners (from 49% in 2011 to 61% in 2013) has resulted in an increase for support demand. As most of the participating companies have not increased their support volume, the ‘support needs met’ scores have dropped by an average of 8% in those two years.

Proof of ‘Gucci’ ineffectiveness

The ‘support needs met’ figures of one of our clients, which is in the process of switching from (part) ‘Gucci’ payments to a reimbursable programme, show the ineffectiveness of the Gucci approach. The ‘support needs met’ score of partners using the new programme is 24% higher.

Communication is essential

72% of the partners feel that the effectiveness of the support can be improved, particularly through better communication (31%). A surprising number of partners are not aware of available support programmes; ironically, they nevertheless often complain about the lack of personal support, among other things.