The relevance of providing Ongoing Post-Arrival Support
By Ximena Reyes
International assignees are expected to perform upon arrival to bring their skills and expertise from the first day, to contribute with their added value to the company.
Companies have understood the importance to speed up the process of adaptation by facilitating support with Settling-in assistance, an invaluable platform for families and spouses. This is usually an orientation to the city, available schools, residential areas, basics of daily living (shopping, healthcare, transportation, etc.)
However though this first platform is covered few is done on the long term, once the urgency of the initial few weeks has passed.
Initial chaos of an international relocation is usually concentrated on the basic needs. Routines have to be created, the brain is constantly making sense of the new place, but once this is done, most spouses are left to fend for themselves. Once the initial overwhelming part of setting up has passed comes a new stage when expats have to redefine their identities, reroute or prelaunch their careers.
HR support in this new stage is vital since it will help them to consolidate their experience on a new location. The more savvy expats that have managed multiple locations are resourceful enough to tackle challenges as they come.
Ongoing support on the forms of expat specialized coaching and psychological support are now considered a second stage into smooth running and facilitating a more successful international relocation.
If you would like to know more about this contact Ximena Reyes Partner and Director at City Compass intercultural consulting [email protected]
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