TRUE COST OF CASH/LUMP SUM: SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS
NetExpat Account • October 9, 2019
The survey highlights potential confusion: employees want “flexibility” and “choice”, not the burden of taking care of everything themselves.
Cash/lump sum, as a miscellaneous allowance policy component, is a good option to cover small settling-in expenses, but the results of this Pulse Survey indicate that a well selected list of managed services will ease the employee transfer and result in a more positive employee experience.
Download True Cost of Cash/Lump Sum Final Report
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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.

Gabi brings a thoughtful, human‑centered approach to her work at NetExpat, shaped by a background in intercultural communication and international collaboration. With a strong belief that cultural competence is built through awareness, adaptability, and reflection, she designs practical, evidence‑based learning experiences that help people navigate complexity with confidence. Passionate about how adults learn and change, Gabi is motivated by creating solutions that make a real difference in how individuals and organisations work, connect, and thrive across cultures.

Sam combines a bilingual, multicultural upbringing with deep global mobility experience. Born in Belgium to a British father and Belgian mother, she began her career in education—later moving into consultancy and, in 2003, into international mobility. At NetExpat since 2009, Sam blends operational excellence with advisory insight, working directly with clients and assignees to design people‑centered solutions. She thrives on building trusted relationships across cultures and supporting family wellbeing, partner careers, and sustainable assignments. Her practical, empathetic approach turns complex mobility challenges into positive outcomes for organizations and the people they move.

For nearly a decade, the Relocating Family Support Survey —developed in partnership between NetExpat and EY—has served as the industry’s most comprehensive benchmark on the experience of relocating partners and families. Since its launch in 2018, the survey has captured insights from more than 4,400 participants worldwide, helping organizations understand the realities facing globally mobile families and the policies that most effectively support them. The 2026 edition builds on this foundation with input from over 340 respondents across 50 countries, offering a timely view into how mobility expectations, workforce demographics, and business priorities continue to evolve.

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.













