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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When Outsourcing Creates Internal Friction

By NetExpat Account • October 22, 2025

When organizations outsource business functions to another country—whether it’s accounting, customer service, or tech support—they’re often hoping for a streamlined, cost-effective solution. But when intercultural differences aren’t factored into the strategy, the shift often results in the exact opposite: misaligned expectations, breakdowns in communication, and friction across internal teams. Time is lost, along with trust, satisfaction ratings, and even clients. Too often, stakeholders don’t even know why. When internal teams find themselves working across cultures, misunderstandings are common. The definition of “good service” in one country may feel intrusive or inadequate in another. Perceptions of hierarchy and respect vary widely, leading to unintentional offenses. And communication styles are so nuanced that even simple messages can be misread—causing delays, confusion, and strained relationships. Internally, employee engagement and productivity suffer. Clients may notice the shift too—especially in customer-facing functions. Intercultural agility is the solution.

Turning Talent Mobility Data Into Influence: Getting Leadership Buy-In

By NetExpat Account • October 13, 2025

Leadership wants metrics, but they also need clarity. When you see a business need or opportunity, building the right business case with data is the way to give that to them. It’s also the best way for you to get buy-in. This blog post will discuss how to use data to strengthen business cases and the role of business storytelling in securing buy-in.

Stronger Together: The Business Case for Supporting Relocating Partners

By NetExpat Account • September 29, 2025

International relocations are a big adjustment for employees, but they can be an even bigger adjustment for their accompanying spouses or partners. This is especially true if they were a part of a dual income household in their country of origin. While organizations often focus on logistical support for the employee, the success of an international assignment hinges equally on the well-being of the entire family. If a relocating partner struggles to integrate, it can have negative impacts on the partner’s state of mind, the couple’s relationship, the employee’s ability to focus on their new role, and both assignment and organizational objectives.

Human-Centered Mobility in a Tech-Driven World

By Alain Verstandig • September 9, 2025

Editorial from NetExpat Perspectives Newsletter Q3 2025

Tech Can’t Do It Alone: Isabela Sena on Human-Centered Mobility

By NetExpat Account • August 28, 2025

In a recent interview, Isabela Sena, Director of Global Mobility at Stellantis, shared her thoughts on talent mobility’s future. Read on to discover her views, and why people will stay central and elevated by AI.

Helping Children Adapt to a New School

By NetExpat Community • August 18, 2025

This blog post offers a glimpse into the exclusive content available to members of the NetExpat Community —designed specifically for the partners and spouses of transferees. From curated resources to peer-driven insights, this sample reflects the kind of meaningful support that helps partners/spouses feel seen, connected, and empowered.

Balancing AI & Human Expertise to Elevate Talent Management & Mobility

By Laurette Bennhold-Samaan • August 18, 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing talent management and mobility, making some administrative processes faster and more efficient. As businesses look to AI-driven tools to streamline everything from visa applications to predictive mobility analytics—they hope to control costs and ease the burden on internal talent mobility teams and mobile employees alike. But can technology alone accomplish all of that? While AI excels at automation and generating data-driven insights, the human touch is still essential for fostering positive experiences among employees and the businesses that employ them. Personalized coaching, relationship-building, and cultural adaptation are all areas where human empathy, intuition and expertise far surpass automated systems. As organizations embrace AI to optimize talent management and global mobility, finding the right balance between technology and human connection will be key to their success.

CULTURAL COMPLIANCE: THE COST OF IGNORING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES WHEN DOING BUSINESS

By Lisa Marie Desanto • August 4, 2025

Discover the costs of ignoring cultural differences and strategies to ensure compliance for thriving international business operations.

Gift Giving in Business: Bridging Cultural Expectations and Compliance

June 26, 2025

Multinational companies face a significant challenge when working across cultures: how to strike a balance between being compliant and honoring cultural gift-giving norms in professional settings. Why is it such a challenge? What may be expected as a gesture of respect and goodwill in one culture could be considered bribery in another. Missteps can ultimately lead to a damaged company reputation, lost business opportunities, or even legal repercussions. Finding a balance between cultural expectations and compliance is a strategic imperative, but potential conflicts can feel completely overwhelming. With training and preparation, however, workforces can learn to navigate these scenarios with skill. Cultural Gift-Giving Differences in Professional Settings Gift giving has always been used in professional settings to show respect, build rapport, and lay the groundwork for meaningful business relationships around the world. Under the right circumstances, a carefully chosen gift can symbolize trust and partnership, opening the door to successful collaboration. Failure to understand cultural norms and expectations can result in costly mistakes. Below, we provide a few examples of varying gift-giving norms to illustrate the importance of cultural agility when doing business across cultures.

Team Spotlight: Maru Machado

By Diego Marquez • June 9, 2025

As Director of Global Client Services at NetExpat, Maru Machado brings a dynamic blend of operational expertise and global perspective to her role. With a rich background in international event production, clinical travel management, and client services, Maru brings a global mindset to everything she does. Her multicultural experience—both professional and personal as a former expat—deeply informs her approach to leadership and client support. Now leading a diverse team across the U.S., Maru thrives on connecting with people around the world, improving service delivery, and creating meaningful impact for globally mobile professionals and their families.