Partner support is not something which can be easily packaged and labelled. In some companies, it equals career support, elsewhere it is all about providing destination information, while some organisations hope a cash allowance will do the job. At Global Connection, we have concluded that it comes in all shapes and sizes, just like the thousands of partners we support. That’s why we have transformed Global Connection into a highly flexible three-dimensional organisation.
‘Triple Seven’ approach
This allows us to provide optimal and personalised support during each of the seven stages of expatriation, on any issue and in any format. A needs assessment, ideally already drawn up in the pre-decision phase, face-to-face or online, is by far the best way to put together a tailor-made support package (and which does not include any unnecessary or costly extras!). For many expat partners, this assessment is a journey of discovery, revealing intrinsic motivations for many life choices.
7 Assignment Phases:
• Pre-decision
• Pre-departure
• Settling in
• Settled
• Pre-repatriation
• Repatriation
• Settled
7 Support Types / Channels:
• Needs assessment
• Media
• Support desk
• Network
• Local meeting/workshop
• Coaching*
• Training*
* incl. optional test / assessment
7 Subject Matter Areas:
• Life (also for kids)
• Destination / culture
• Network
• Paid work
• Alternatives to paid work
• Repatriation
• Other
More than career support
Most expat partners nowadays express a desire to work while abroad. We take this very seriously, by offering career support modules and initiatives such as the vacancy exchange project. Unfortunately, finding work is never guaranteed and working restrictions are still in place in many countries (see also Spousal support in emerging markets a must – The RES Forum). Therefore, we firmly believe in having a plan B. The needs assessment often reveals that the desire to have similar paid work stems from a need for control in new and unfamiliar circumstances. Upon further investigation, many expat partners decide it is well worth considering alternatives such as studying, setting up a business or volunteering. As a one-stop shop for partner support, we cater for all of these needs too.
