Building Bridges, Not Barriers: How Global Mobility Saved the Day

PLAYMOBIL pro is a powerful tool designed for professionals to visualize and solve complex challenges in a creative and engaging way. By using familiar Playmobil figures and accessories, it allows teams to model scenarios, explore possibilities, and find solutions that might otherwise remain abstract. Its strength lies in its ability to make the intangible tangible, fostering collaboration and innovative thinking through hands-on, interactive modeling.

At MasteringGM ?, among other tools, we use Playmobil Pro to bring Global Mobility stories to life - normally in our workshops. These models help us break down intricate situations, analyze the challenges, and showcase the immense value GM teams provide to employees and organizations alike. And, as it is in the very nature of Playmobil pro, it truly sparks creativity and fosters a fun and engaging problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking among people.

So, why not share some of this fun here?! Recently, Michael Dickmann and I recreated a client story - one that highlights the critical importance of supporting expat families and the high stakes of navigating cross-border complexities. Using Playmobil Pro, we visualized a real-world crisis faced by a relocating family and their Global Mobility team. What could have been a disaster turned into a success, thanks to the swift action and strategic thinking of GM professionals. This model demonstrates not just what went wrong but also how GM can step in, shield employees, and deliver exceptional value.

Who Is This For?
HR leaders, Global Mobility professionals, and business executives who recognize the critical role of partner support programs in enabling successful relocations and safeguarding organizational investments.

What Is It About?
This article highlights the importance of proactive support for expat families, focusing on how Global Mobility professionals mitigate risks and create value. Using a real-life scenario modeled with Playmobil Pro, it showcases the tangible impact of effective GM intervention when faced with unexpected challenges.

What to Get Out of It?
Understand the strategic importance of partner support programs and how they can prevent costly mistakes. Learn how Global Mobility teams can collaborate effectively to shield employees from crises while maintaining business continuity. Discover actionable lessons on integrating holistic family support into your Global Mobility strategy to drive both employee satisfaction and organizational success.        

Here’s the story

Maria (names and places made up, obviously) has just started her new role in New York, leading a high-profile project critical to her company’s expansion in the US. The stakes are high, with the client relationship tied to millions in revenue. Her husband, Daniel, and their two young children have joined her for this new adventure. While Maria throws herself into her demanding role, Daniel takes on childcare responsibilities and tries to settle the family into their new life.

But things aren’t as smooth as they appear. Daniel, who left his own consulting career behind in Germany, is struggling. The kids are in school for most of the day, and he finds himself with too much time on his hands. Feeling restless, he decides to offer consulting services on the side. He picks up small projects via a former colleague's network, unaware that his visa strictly prohibits him from working in the US. Without understanding the legal implications, he just “goes ahead.”

Word of Daniel’s activities spreads when a colleague of Maria’s casually mentions seeing his services "advertised" in a social media post. The news makes its way to HR, who immediately alerts the Global Mobility team back home. This situation could quickly spiral out of control. Daniel’s unauthorized work could result in a violation of US immigration laws, leading to penalties for the company, potential deportation for the family, and devastating consequences for Maria’s career and the company’s high-stakes project.

At this point, the Global Mobility team comes to the rescue: James and Sophie. James tackles the immediate crisis. He contacts the company’s immigration legal counsel to understand the situation and ensure Daniel’s activities are shut down immediately. Within hours, they issue clear instructions to Daniel to stop all consulting activities and remove his online posts. James liaises with the legal team to assess the company’s exposure and implement measures to mitigate risk.

Meanwhile, Sophie steps in to support the family. She schedules a meeting with Daniel and Maria to explain the situation calmly and reassure them that the team is working on a resolution. Sophie identifies the root cause: Daniel’s lack of awareness about the visa restrictions and the absence of structured partner support during the move. She immediately connects him with a local career counselor who specializes in advising expat spouses. Sophie also coordinates with immigration experts to start the process of applying for a proper work visa for Daniel, ensuring it aligns with US regulations.

The family is understandably shaken, but Sophie provides ongoing emotional and practical support. She helps Daniel navigate his feelings of frustration and loss of identity, connecting him with expat communities and professional networking groups. For Maria, Sophie reassures her that the company’s legal team is handling the fallout, allowing Maria to focus on her project without distraction.

By the time the situation is fully resolved, Daniel has the appropriate permits to resume his consulting work legally, the family avoids deportation, and Maria’s project remains on track. The company avoids fines, reputational damage, and the potential loss of a critical deal. Now, imagine the alternative.

Without the swift intervention of the Global Mobility team, Daniel’s unauthorized work could have resulted in legal action against the family. They could have been deported, forcing Maria to abandon her leadership role and derailing the company’s US expansion plans. The financial and reputational cost would have been staggering. And we are not even accounting for the emotional damage and impact on their wellbeing here.

This situation highlights the vital importance of proper partner support programs. By recognizing the challenges that expat families face, companies can prevent costly mistakes, protect their employees, and create a foundation for long-term success. The Global Mobility team isn’t just solving problems—they’re safeguarding people and investments, ensuring everyone has the tools they need to thrive abroad.

Lessons Learned

This story highlights how even the most well-planned relocations can face unexpected challenges and how the swift actions of a skilled Global Mobility team can make all the difference. Beyond resolving crises, this scenario underscores the importance of proactive partner support and clear communication in ensuring success for both employees and their families. So let's look at the key takeaways from this scenario.

Partner Support Programs Are Essential: Supporting trailing spouses isn’t just a nice-to-have. It is critical for avoiding risks and ensuring family stability.

Global Mobility Is Risk Management: GM professionals don’t just move people, they protect businesses from financial, legal, and reputational damage.

Collaboration Is Key: Quick problem-solving requires teamwork, combining immediate action and long-term solutions.

Proactive Guidance Prevents Crises: Educating families about visa rules, legal requirements, and local expectations can avert costly mistakes.

Emotional Support Matters: Addressing the personal challenges of relocating families allows employees to focus on their roles without distraction.

Do you have a story where a challenge in relocation or Global Mobility turned into a success? Could it be captured with a Playmobil Pro model? Share your thoughts, I’d love to hear your experiences!