Even if an expat partner is clear on their priorities – or happy to have no plans at all – they can still benefit from discussing their adjustment with a Global Connection consultant.
Holding off
When I am contacted by partners, who have been in their host country for a year (or more) until availing of support, I always ask why they didn’t accept our invitation to introduce the support program earlier. Recent examples: one partner – a serial expat – said that she had a plan of action. She would use support, only if she needed it later. Another admitted she hadn’t known the scope of the support program on offer. A third said: “I wasn’t planning on looking for work, so I thought the program was not for me.”
Late in the day
Let’s consider the serial expat first, who decided to save the support ‘for a rainy day’. She stuck to her plan: to study the language of her host country so she could learn about the local culture and make friends. But when we spoke, all of the issues we discussed – let’s call them ‘pain points’ – were topics that we could have addressed either before or right after she relocated.
Missed opportunity
We discussed a few solutions so she could move forward. Better late than never, as they say. Nonetheless, she regretted not getting in touch sooner as it could have helped manage expectations, and better anticipate what might be ahead. Even when an expat has a clear priority there are many other ‘soft aspects’ to relocation that can be discussed, such as, finding ways to build up social networks, or overcome feelings of isolation.
Spread the word
As for the other cases I mentioned, making a mutual effort with the Global Mobility teams of our partners, we can only strive to more enthusiastically promote the benefits of the program. I once spoke with a partner, before relocation. At the time she didn’t require support but she said just knowing that we are available was extremely reassuring. This also had a positive impact on how she perceived her husband’s employer.
Save valuable time
We have also seen that when the program is promoted, there’s a clear uptick in usage. Even if a partner thinks they won’t need support or doesn’t have a clear request, a conversation with a consultant will open their eyes to some of the challenges to come, saving them valuable time as well as emotional and physical energy, so they can successfully adapt.
Ines Ahrens is a senior consultant at Global Connection
