GLOBAL MOBILITY CHALLENGES Given the scale of the global pandemic, it is unsurprising that global mobility professionals identify their main challenges over the next two years as related to managing new types of mobility (such as virtual assignments), compliance requirements (immigration and tax) and health and medical care. According to Santa Fe’s latest survey (Repurpose: Challenging Change, 2020) spousal career issues, family issues such as aging parents, and lack of suitable education provision do still feature as challenges but they fall towards the lower end of a long list. This might be because of the increasingly sophisticated global, regional and local supply chains available today which can supply niche services and drive greater employee and family satisfaction. For example, cultural and language preparatory training which can aid family adjustment can be tailored effectively to meet both organisational and individual family members’ needs and preferences. Pre-assignment visits and school finding support for families on the move can be offered through blended online and physical support.
EDUCATIONAL NEEDS For families moving abroad, education remains the top priority. Global mobility policies typically provide for school search and enrolment assistance. Pre-pandemic this was usually combined with a home search pre- assignment trip. During the pandemic, schools have adapted their advisory and information services to ensure that parents can still be supported, but virtually. School search consultants also can operate virtually with niche consultancies able to locate appropriate schooling for children with a range of special needs. So, although
in-person parental visits are likely to be reduced, much of the initial screening can be carried out remotely. For example, international schools provide videos and virtual tours, webinars and online Q & A sessions. Schools and universities are hosting open days virtually which will help families to make educational choices without the need to visit in person. It is also possible for parents, employers and
relocation professionals to attend online webinar events such as Relocate Global’s Great International Education and Schools’ Fair. Such events enable a comparison of a wide range of educational options and access to experts in the field. Schools directories such as those published by Relocate Global can also prove invaluable to understanding the range of educational possibilities available. A further point to remember is that children’s
education also needs to be considered for those families repatriating. Returning home can be a shock and children can be unhappy as they have to make new friends and try to adjust to enrolment in a state school after being in an international school. Education consultancies can help with the process of reintegration. Educational tutors can also be of assistance outbound and homeward bound to bridge gaps where curricula do not exactly align.
DUAL CAREERS Dual career issues have always been a potential barrier to geographic mobility. As many organisations slim down their workforces in response to reduced consumer demand in certain sectors so there is the potential that employment opportunities for accompanying partners will reduce. Emphasis on dual career support including
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