Global mobility is a pivotal aspect of many professionals´ careers. Talented individuals are relocating to distant shores to drive growth, innovation but also to compensate for the worker shortages and skills gaps.
However, behind every successful international assignment, there´s often a story that goes untold – the story of the accompanying spouse and/or family 🤝
Spouses face their own set of challenges when they pack up their lives to support their partners; from career disruptions to social isolation, the transition can be a complex emotional and professional journey.
👉 Career continuity: Many spouses leave behind careers and struggle to find comparable opportunities abroad. How can we, the LinkedIn global community support their career aspirations?
👉 Cultural Adaptation: Adapting to a new culture can be as daunting as it is exciting. Language barriers and local customs can become unbearable if not embraced
👉 Social Networks: Building a new social circle from scratch over and over requires time and effort, which can be overwhelming amidst all the other things that need attention – and there are quite a few…
👉Identity and Purpose: The role in a new environment often changes drastically, this can cause a lose of identity and purpose
As experienced expatriates, HR leaders and empathetic colleagues, it´s crucial to acknowledge and address these challenges. Fostering inclusive policies and support systems that cater to the well-being of not just the employee, but their entire family is the right approach in my opinion.
💡Companies could:
develop communities that would provide career support services for spouses
invest in cultural integration and language learning programs
organize networking opportunities
include counseling and coaching in the relocation packages
What are your ideas on how to better support the silent heroes of global mobility – the spouses who contribute just as much to the success of international assignments….
Have you and/or your spouse been relocated? What support made the biggest difference for you, your spouse and your family?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and stories!