Many international organisations feel there is room for improvement regarding expat partner support. HEINEKEN has recently introduced a radical new policy in this area. As Global Mobility Manager Ellen Jansma told us in an interview, “I became more and more convinced that the way we currently do this – with a cash out allowance – simply wasn’t working.”
Developments in the market
This fits in perfectly with the types of developments currently visible in the market. Mobility issues, such as dual careers, are becoming increasingly more important, and partners require concrete support while looking for a fulfilling pastime abroad, be that work, studying or volunteering. At the same time, companies are realising that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, such as a cash allowance, isn’t working. This is something which the Effectiveness survey has revealed. And companies are convinced that personalised partner support – such as that currently being provided by HEINEKEN – can be a part of the solution.
Importance of general intake
In order to respond to these developments, we have started expanding our activities in the area of personalised support, which we mentioned in our last Newsletter. As a result, we’re now working in even closer cooperation with HEINEKEN to conduct general intake interviews with its expat partners, and, in our role as an independent organisation, to locate the best support providers to meet its partners’ needs. We also manage the entire process right up to the evaluation and billing stages. Our first experiences have been very positive. Personalised partner support combined with a budgetary-appropriate, modular approach – no unnecessary and expensive packages, just exactly the support that the partner really needs – is our solution to the challenges posed by the ever-increasing rate of international mobility.
