How Companies Can Manage Overseas Assignments - US News
Companies around the world send employees on international assignments typically for three to five years. According to Worldwide ERC, the cost of doing so can be over $1 million per person. Despite the cost, companies report a 42 percent failure rate in these assignments. What's wrong? Many companies are not adequately preparing employees or their families for life and work overseas.
Expatriates, those living outside of their native country, may receive support through their company upon departure, but many do not receive sufficient support once they arrive in their new location. The lack of familiarity and sudden increase of uncertainty can cause a high level of emotional distress on a family, which in turn can have a detrimental effect on an employee's performance. Here's how companies can do a better job managing overseas assignments.