What are they?
Expatriate and Expatriate Spouse Surveys assess the special needs of international personnel and their families. These special considerations range from specific company policies to housing and language matters.
Why do them?
Finding a first-class employee who is effective multinationally is expensive; losing that employee is even more expensive. Expatriate staff often resign for seemingly trivial reasons. If these reasons are identified and addressed, it is probable the employee is less likely to leave.
It is often beneficial to include recently returned expatriate employees in this study so as to contrast their perceptions with those of the active expatriate staff. In effect, this process provides a systematic audit of what is happening with one's expatriate staff.
How do they work?
Each survey is tailor-made. A sample of expatriates and expatriate spouses is interviewed to determine specific issues. These interviews permit precision design of the questionnaire. Subject areas frequently addressed include:
- Relocation Assistance
- Orientation Procedures
- Information and Support
- Compensation Packages
- Working Relationships
- Assignment Duration/Timing
- Adaptation and Adjustment
- Career Planning/Development
- Working Conditions
- Cultural Differences
- Quality of Schooling
- Social Contacts
- Income Tax Counseling
- Welfare of Spouse/Family
- Communication Before/After Foreign Postings
- Financial Assistance with Housing, Schooling, and Medical Care
- Impact on Educational, Social, Cultural, and Emotional Needs
- Transportation
- Essential Product and Service Availability
- Healthcare
- Home Leave Policies
- Working Spouse Problems
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