HEINEKEN busts myths about partner support

HEINEKEN Global Mobility Manager Sandra Winstanley took to the stage to explode the myths about expat partner support that still persist.

Common misconceptions

Sandra is the first to admit that she scrutinized the HEINEKEN partner support program, when she took the helm at the company’s mobility team in 2016. She’s become a firm believer in partner support and wants every HEINEKEN expat partner to make the most of the program, which is executed by Global Connection. Sandra dispelled the following misconceptions about partner support:

‘It’s far too costly’

“Currently, 57 percent of our partners use 51 percent of the available budget. If we paid a cash allowance, 100 percent of the people would receive a cash payout, using 100 percent of the budget,” she stated. “So we are redirecting money to areas where it is needed and valued – I’d say it’s money well spent.”

‘Our people would rather have cash’

“While we can’t say to what extent partner support contributes to the success of an assignment, we can say that the wellbeing of partners is enhanced because we are giving something back that is important to them,” she argued. “And when you’re given something that matters to you, that’s powerful.”

‘It’s not worth the hassle’

“Partner support is not a hassle if your program is set up right – with the right partners in the right framework – and you invest in the relationship with your provider,” said Sandra. “Global Connection is an extension of our Global Mobility team.”

‘To make it work, you need face-to-face presence on the ground’

“We have about 600 HEINEKEN expat partners of 70 different nationalities in 117 host locations. Every one of them with their own unique background, situation, and support request.” Therefore, HEINEKEN has opted for Global Connection’s digital approach, taking the needs of the partner as a starting point, instead of the coincidental availability of a coach on the ground. This approach doesn’t only allow to select the ‘best match’, but also improves effectuality and cost efficiency. “The success stories of our partners prove we made the right choice,” concludes the Global Mobility Manager.

Sandra Winstanley, myth-busting at the symposium in Amsterdam, Netherlands, May 2018

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