Unique Challenges Face Dual-Income Families During Global Relocations

According to the 2008 Global Relocation Trends Survey (GRTS) issued by Brookfield Global Relocation Services (Brookfield GRS) 60% of expatriates are married. This same survey found that 55% percent of participants cited partner dissatisfaction as the number one reason for failed relocations. What does this mean for companies preparing for global relocations? To help ensure a successful global relocation, they will need to keep in mind two specific challenges facing partners during a global relocation.

Inability to Work

In such a trying global market, the importance of dual incomes for many families is evident. This increasing need for two incomes can pose a serious challenge for families relocating to other countries, due to visa and cultural restrictions in some areas of the world. Additionally, many partners and spouses are choosing to work, not just out of need, but out of desire. They have invested as much time and effort into their careers as the employee. The sudden inability to work due to visa or societal restrictions can adversely affect their happiness, and in turn, the relocation.

Emotional Acclimation

For some, the detriment to a successful move is not the inability to work. Instead, the spouse faces the challenge of having no connections in the new country. Add a language barrier to the situation and you have a recipe for a very dissatisfied partner. Without the ready network that employment provides, they may be unable to form the vital connections they need to become acclimated to their new location. And once more, if they are unhappy, this puts the relocation in jeopardy.

Solutions

What can you, as an employer do to assist partners in embracing a move? Be aware of the working restrictions that may be placed on your employee’s spouse. In some cases, when the second income is a necessity, this may prevent the employee from accepting the relocation.

In the case that a second income is not a necessity, be prepared to provide assistance in finding suitable networking opportunities for spouses. These alternatives may be volunteering opportunities, expatriate groups, or other activities that will allow the partner to connect with locals in their new area. You also may need to provide language education resources to enable partners to communicate effectively and form connections.

A working spouse plays an important role in the success of a global relocation. Ensuring that you are caring for their needs, as well as those of the employee, will help create a successful relocation.