FAMILY EXPERIENCE & WELLBEING

Alain Verstandig • August 10, 2022

When we consider the needs of relocating partners, 90% of companies* offer assistance to help partners find work in their new locations but may overlook partners who are not planning or able to work.

- Alain Verstandig, President, NetExpat

Non-working partners often have a more difficult time with a relocation as their integration into the new community does not include a peer group of co-workers. This is equally true for relocating partners that may have worked in their home location, but are unable to work in the host location due to local immigration laws. How do you make connections in the new host location? If you were used to working for 8 hours a day, how do you now spend your time?

We believe the best approach is to create solutions for all of our partners, whether they will be working or not. Our Integration Coaching program was created for individuals who need assistance with the personal adaptation changes they will experience following a move and is fully tailored based on their specific situation to tackle the challenges they need help with the most. As a member of our NetExpat Community, partners can expand their network by joining our Buddy Program and making local friends in their new city.

Focusing on the well-being of all relocating partners, working and non-working, should be a priority for every move. As research shows, an unhappy partner is one of the top reasons for returning home early. The partner is the pillar for the rest of the family's well-being and we recommend considering their needs as early as possible in the decision making process. As the old saying goes (slightly updated for modern times) Happy partner, happy life!

See testimonial below for more information on what a successful Integration Coaching Program can look like.

*NetExpat EY Relocating Partner Survey

PURSUING NEW PATHS IN MADRID

For the first time Rachel doesn’t have a job to go to everyday. She has moved a lot in the past, however this is the first time moving to a new country. Being pregnant, not working and living in a new country, she now needs to reinvent herself.

When Rachel began her Integration Coaching Program she loved that her Consultant had lived abroad herself and understood what Rachel was going through. She also enjoyed the fact that she felt challenged through the coaching process to achieve goals and was accountable to the coach. She found this very motivating. The changes Rachel went through were overwhelming, so the flexibility of the support was appreciated. Some of the topics she worked through with her NetExpat Consultant included making her feel at home, helping organize her thinking, providing resources, helping to adjust locally, helping keep her on track so she didn’t lose her purpose, and setting realistic plans and goals. Through the process Rachel loved the support and was surprised how much she learned about herself through coaching.

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