Surveys show that language training is the kind of support most offered by companies to the partners of their expatriated employees.
How do companies support expat partners?
71% of companies taking part in the latest edition of the authoritative Global Mobility Trends Survey from Brookfield GRS answered: language training. This is followed by intercultural training (55%) and assistance with education/training (40%).
Career-planning assistance
Partners are given career-planning assistance by 37% of companies. And 29% of companies still give the partners a lump sum allowance. The costs of employment search or job-finding fees are reimbursed by 28% of companies, sponsoring a work permit is offered by 23%, and help with finding volunteer activities and/or support networks by 22%.
RES Forum
The importance of language training is also shown in a recent survey by the RES Forum, an independent community for international HR and Mobility professionals. Asked what benefits are offered in the case of a dual career couple, language training is the clear winner: 81% of partaking companies offer this kind of support. A lump sum takes second place, offered by 50%.
Long term
Commenting on the results, David Enser, Partner of the RES Forum, says: “It’s interesting that many companies still primarily deal with issues around immediate assimilation, like language training, but do not help partners to set themselves up for long-term integration and success via career support and education for example.”
