RPS FACTS : RESHAPING PERSPECTIVE
NetExpat Team • August 14, 2019

The Relocating Partner Survey is the most comprehensive benchmark survey ever conducted related to the spouses and partners of transferees.
The data from this historical survey provides significant insight on trends happening now and lessons to be learned when implementing new global mobility and talent management policies. Read on to learn more.
Modern couples are highly sensitive to the career opportunities available to their spouse or partner. When it comes to a relocation opportunity, this translates directly to a simple question: What will my employer provide as support for my partner?
The resounding message brought forth from the Relocating Partner Survey is loud and clear: the top reason for refusal of an international assignment is the disruption of the partner's career.
A significant number of employers who participated in the Relocating Partner Survey reported that there was a distinct correlation between offering support to an assignee's partner and an increase in the assignee's performance.
With the top reason for a failed assignment being an unhappy partner, improvement in the overall employee experience can have a huge impact on not only the assignment, but an organization's talent management strategy.
The findings from the 2018 Relocating Partner Survey are helping corporations around the globe benchmark their own global mobility and talent management strategies and understand the trends in today's ever-changing business environment. Interested in learning more? Download the full report today.
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Patricia Biffi brings a rich blend of business acumen and global perspective to her role at NetExpat, shaped by her journey from Brazil’s dynamic fashion retail industry to building a new chapter in the United States. With nearly two decades of experience spanning commercial and marketing leadership, she developed a strong foundation in driving growth, building high-performing teams, and keeping people at the center of every decision. Having personally navigated the challenges of relocation and career reinvention, Patricia combines resilience, adaptability, and a people-first mindset with a deep appreciation for cross-cultural experiences and the evolving landscape of global mobility.

The pharmaceutical industry is operating under extraordinary and accelerating pressure. Patent cliffs heightened regulatory scrutiny, geopolitical instability, pricing constraints, and an increasingly complex global R&D and manufacturing footprint are pushing organizations to do more—faster, with fewer resources, and under intense public and stakeholder scrutiny. At the same time, demand for specialized talent has never been higher. Unlike extractive or capital‑intensive industries such as oil and gas, pharma cannot rely on large financial incentives to drive international mobility. Scientific, regulatory, medical affairs, and quality expertise are scarce globally—yet many of the very professionals pharma needs most are reluctant to relocate. Dual‑career households, two‑income families, caregiving responsibilities, and reduced appetite for long assignments mean traditional mobility levers are no longer sufficient. In this context, Global Mobility (GM) is no longer just an enabler of relocation—it must become a strategic talent catalyst.

Whether driven by mergers, digital transformation, geopolitical shifts, or evolving market demands, change affects every corner of a global organization. And without the right support, teams can suffer, along with morale and alignment. Profit losses, decreased productivity, attrition and reputational damage are very real risks, and often signs that an organization’s change strategy failed to account for cultural context—both the organization’s internal culture and the cultural identities of its employees. Change is universal, but how we deal with it is deeply cultural. Even the most well-designed initiative can falter if it overlooks one critical factor: how people experience change. In global teams, that experience isn’t just shaped by roles, responsibilities, and team dynamics. It’s also shaped by the cultural norms, values, and perspectives each person brings to the workplace. And when leaders assume their teams will respond to change the same way they do, communications and processes can quietly unravel—sometimes under the radar and long before the negative impacts are fully recognized. To lead and address change effectively, business leaders need to understand the cultural lenses that shape how change is perceived, processed, and embraced (or rejected).

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.












