Some questions the trailing spouse might pose are hard for HR to answer, but easy for a fellow partner who has already been posted to the same destination. We look at how a simple yet innovative idea has blossomed into an essential global networking tool for partners abroad.

A little innovation goes a long way.

"Oh no! Don’t start about spouses issues, again. We know!" complains a Corporate HR manager from a Dutch company in Hilversum. "Yes, we know that you know, but what are you doing about it?" asks intercultural trainer and consultant Hilly van Swol-Ulbrich.

In the past few weeks I have seen three expatriate families fall into deep trouble - acute stress and depression with marriages under duress...not to mention the professional consequences.

The people involved were regular employees on assignment who were not being sent to "hardship" locations, unless you want to define Brussels, Prague or Frankfurt as such.

WHAT HR CAN DO:

Take the lid off

Do not make spouse problems a problem, remove the taboo image. It all starts with that important first gesture to show you care.

Pre-departure and post-arrival

Most companies already include spouses in the pre-departure briefing, but we all know that the real fun starts after arrival. No matter how service oriented HR departments are, they can never ever offer the final touch; the experience of someone who has been there, done It. Offer a local follow up and see whether your provider facilitates 'Spouse's Workshops'.

 

"We don't have a budget"

How about self-help? Reserve a meeting room every 14 days at your facilities and, for the cost of the company's canteen-catering, allow the spouses to meet, share information and exchange experiences.

"We don't have that many expat spouses"

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