In today's globalized workforce, more couples than ever are pursuing dual careers. As companies become increasingly mobile and relocate top talent around the world, it's no longer just the "trailing spouse" following their partner on an international assignment. Both partners often have established careers they don't want to sacrifice.
On our recent The View From The Top show, a panel discussion with representatives from the leading Permits Foundation shed light on just how important this issue is becoming. The stats are eye-opening:
- 84% of expatriate partners want to be employed in the host country, but only 53% are. That's a huge 31% employment gap.
- 26% of partners were considering leaving the host country due to lack of work access.
- 44% of companies had employees return home early from an assignment in the past 3 years, largely due to dissatisfied partners.
The impact on families is heart-wrenching. One partner lamented feeling like they "lost the best years of my life" being unable to work and start over in their careers after an overseas assignment. Another said their lack of independence and inability to work had "kind of ruined my life."
As the stats and stories show, when talented partners can't pursue their professional path, it takes an enormous personal toll that jeopardizes the employee's overall assignment and the company's ability to attract and retain skilled workers.
That's why advocacy groups like the Permits Foundation are working tirelessly with corporations and governments to facilitate employment access for expatriate partners and families. Their efforts have helped institute favorable policies in over 40 countries so far.
But there's still more work to be done. Companies continue struggling with attrition and failed assignments because partners without work rights feel understandably unfulfilled, unhappy, and unable to maintain their independence and identity.
For a truly global workforce to thrive, the antiquated concept of a "trailing spouse" must be shed. Employers need to recognize the importance of partner employment and choose locations accordingly. Governments must continue evolving policies to attract skilled expatriates by extending work privileges for families as well.
Both partners deserve the chance to pursue their professional dreams as an integral part of any international relocation. Supporting dual-career couples is essential for recruitment, retention, diversity & inclusion, and ultimately, assignment success.
You can access the complete discussion here.
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