Employment for the Trailing Spouse – A Global Hurdle

Finding employment for the trailing partner/spouse is one of the largest challenges and reluctance factors in global relocation today. First, many countries are starting to change the laws for work permits. In some countries, it’s almost impossible for the spouse to get a work permit – especially in the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China), where expat assignments are quickly emerging. Second, if the spouse or partner holds a specialty license for his or her profession, that license likely will not apply in the new location. The degree and education completed will not apply to licensure in the new country. Degree/preparation equivalency can also be an issue (specifically JDs, Ph.D.s, etc.). These factors – combined with the increased necessity of dual-income families – make up one of the largest reasons for global assignment declines.

What can be done to address this?

Incorporating spouse/partner career support into mobility offers can help overcome this challenge by providing opportunities. Examples include:

1. Spouse/Partner Career Assistance
If the spouse or partner is legally allowed to work in the new destination, these services support the career transition process, with special consideration for the cultural challenges a global job search can present – from crafting an effective résumé or CV, to building a network, to negotiating the job offer.

2. Career Continuation Assistance
If the spouse/partner is legally unable to work in the new location or has no interest in working during the assignment, these services make it easier to re-enter the workforce at a later date. Specific examples include participation in expat groups, professional associations, social clubs, and volunteer resources to keep job-related skills sharp and in use. In addition, coaching to maintain their global network Internet identity on sites such as LinkedIn can also be helpful.

3. Entrepreneurial Support
This unique situation, sometimes, offers the opportunity to start a new business. Career support services offer items like area market research, competitor info, clarification of local laws. In addition, it’s useful to provide coaching on ways to locate local mentors, educational classes, and creative collateral services that would lend to the business.

As globalization of businesses continues to spread and global moves increase, provisions that provide spouse/partner support to the new area will be essential inclusions to mobility programs. As a whole, career support helps make your offers more attractive to mobility candidates, lending to talent retention and positive global mobility ROI.