Global Connection shapes its expat partner support services based on research. Therefore, we regularly conduct surveys on the (changing) needs for support among our members. A first analysis of the responses to our 2013 Demand & Satisfaction Survey among expat partners substantiates earlier indications: partner support entails much more than just career support.
According to some studies, the vast majority of partners are looking for a paid job. In fact, the global demand for job search support for expat partners is not as large as many reports would have us believe. A closer look reveals that this sector is much smaller, and heavily influenced by the expat lifestyle and all that this involves.
Unrealistic figures
The widespread practice of overestimating the need for job search support stems from commercial interests the reporting party might have (demand creation), from non-representative sampling (different from company’s target audience), and incorrect, sometimes even suggestive, questions / definitions. In addition, career support organisations often tend to quote unrealistically high average success rates (80% plus) for finding a job anywhere in the world with their help. We have research data and information from clients that show such percentages are incorrect.
Alternatives to paid work
While a significant and growing number of expat couples face dual career issues, we know from experience that expat partners in this category are often also interested in ‘alternatives to paid work’, such as voluntary work or starting their own business. (See also: An occupation close to her heart.) The reasons for this vary widely, from ideological convictions to using sabbatical leave for studying in order to enhance career prospects. Global Connection conducts true needs assessments, which explore the intrinsic drivers of expat partners (as opposed to free – often promotional – intake meetings with career coaches). Such assessments indicate that only a minority of expat partners worldwide need real and tangible job search support.
A fulfilling occupation is vital
For non-job-seeking expat partners, looking for a fulfilling occupation is also important. Support for this search is equally vital, as it is relevant to mobility. A 2011 Global Connection research study among 580 partners showed that support regarding ‘alternatives to paid work’ was essential. As a result, we have continued to emphasise the necessity of having a ‘Plan B’ (alternative options for finding a fulfilling occupation) in place.
Our 2012 Effectiveness Survey – jointly conducted with the RES Forum – among HR and Global Mobility managers representing 68 global companies showed that job search support is anything but the most important need. In companies where large budgets were available for job search support, expat partners hardly used them – even when they had been clearly informed about the budget and that it was not intended as discretionary support (also known as ‘Gucci money’).
Adequate support
As an independent party, Global Connection does not have any commercial interest in increased or decreased demand for job search assistance – despite being quite able of providing this type of support. Our goal is to help to increase the well-being of expat partners by providing adequate partner support, including aid in searching for a job, whenever this is necessary. There is much progress to be made in this area, influenced by changes in demand. However, the wrong approach could do more harm than good. Therefore, we emphasise the importance of basing expat partner support services on realistic data.
No ‘games’ of inflating numbers
Because of our honest estimates, we may come across as less motivated, or less interested, in providing career support to expat partners than parties who present much higher estimates regarding expat partners’ needs and their success rates in this area. We can assure you that we are firm believers in the necessity of career support as an integral part of comprehensive partner support, our core activity. We are also convinced that the ‘dual career’ trend is growing and that demand for job search support will therefore increase. However, we categorically refuse to engage in ‘games’ of inflating numbers. If we were to engage in such practices, we would be disrespecting our members and contradicting our own research reports.
* The final results of the survey will be presented through various Global Connection publications, including a special edition of our HR Newsletter on expat partner support policies.
