Know Your WHO

The key to Retention is knowing your audience and their needs. Who are your Internationals employees and their Spouses/Partners?

They are all different and although there may be common threads running through the International stories, no two people or their international journeys are the same.

Who is who in the International scheme of things

International Spouse/Partner is a general term. If we look a bit closer we will see that spouses and partners fall into various sub-groups. The reason for relocating is often what differentiates them. Often the term Spouse/Partner is used as if it pertains to one type of person. Of course, there are similarities but no two people are the same. Their past, present, and future are also not identical. We need to start focusing on the individual, and their needs and practice a human approach. To give you a general idea of the different International groups here are a few terms, according to

business.internations.org

Foreign Assignees - are usually sent abroad by their employers.

International Hires - often find a job on their own or are recruited internationally.

Relocating Spouses - move abroad for their partner’s job.

Love-pats - fall in love with someone who lives in a different country than their own and decide to move to be with them.

Re-pats - return to their home country after having lived abroad.

The reasons for moving are different for each group, as are the challenges.

You can’t tell a book by its cover

An individual approach is what makes a difference, not cookie-cutter support. Each move, adjustment process, family, and couple, is different. They may face similar challenges but not at the same time. Some people go through the cultural adjustment phases one by one, others skip certain phases. The motivation for relocation varies as does the challenge. For example, foreign assignees are usually motivated by career development and senior positions to make a move to a different country.

The relocating spouse is moving because of the family decisions that have been made due to professional opportunities for their husband or wife. The termination of a contract can come at a very high price and often is due to the unhappiness of the Spouse/Partner. Spouses/Partners are important.

For the spouse, professional networks, social networks, and spousal support are very important. For some, easily available language classes are one of the most important support factors for others it will be professional networks. Assumptions, regarding what Internationals need based on personal beliefs are not the best solution. To successfully work towards positive experiences for Internationals as well as locals we need to engage in discussions, ask questions, and most importantly listen.

To be Seen and Heard

No one wants to be summed up in one word. We are all guilty of doing that, I know I am. We label and we assume. We believe we know what is good for others, and what they need. But, often if we do not see the desired outcomes, we may be heading down the path that is not most beneficial. I have often heard and also used (yes, shame on me)? “The Expats…” or “The Expats need this…” In reality, we are speaking of diverse groups, with very different motivations for relocation, multitudes of cultural knowledge and experience, various ages, expertise, skills, mindsets, and education. Each story is different, behind each story is a person. Although, there are similarities not a single story of someone’s relocation experience is the same. Therefore, we can not assume that the same solutions will work for all. Gaining important knowledge and awareness supported by collaborative solutions can make a difference. The only way to make progress is to open our eyes and ears. See and listen to what the needs, wants and must-haves are of the Internationals coming to and living in Denmark.