Why are pre-assignment visits worth the expense? By Mary van der Boon

In conventional expatriate relocation, the first step is generally to have the assignee and his/her spouse pay a (brief) orientation visit to the country in question, either before or after the contract is signed.

The purposes of the visit are twofold: to provide a quick overview of living and working conditions in the host country, and (from a human resources perspective) to prevent uncomfortable future discussions that begin with "I had no idea" and "why didn't you tell me?"

The relative cost-benefit of the pre-assignment visit has long been a topic of discussion in International Human Resources.

Placing increasing emphasis on streamlining and outsourcing (both done with a firm eye on the bottom line), some companies are moving towards a lump-sum package where the expatriate, and family, essentially arrange their own transfer.

In another global trend, many multinationals don't actually have 'expatriates' anymore.

They have internationally-mobile employees who can be re-assigned anywhere in the world, on a sliding pay scale that is designed to make this mobility attractive.

In both scenarios, the pre-assignment visit falls by the wayside.

Most relocation experts, however, agree with expatriate family and spouse advocate Robin Pascoe:

"If you ignore the needs of the family, you are just asking for an assignment to de-rail", says Pascoe.

"Human resources have the power to make overseas postings work, by adopting new policies and changing attitudes. Support services for your expatriates do not have to cost a lot to make a huge difference."

According to PriceWaterhouseCoopers IHR is getting the message. In PWC's recent international assignments trends survey they conclude it has probably never been a better time for the partner and family accompanying the expatriate on assignment. Many companies are more willing to spend money on making the assignment a better experience for the partner.

The emphasis on greater indirect spending on areas such as pre-assignment orientation visits, family support on arrival in the host location and the career or education of the partner, is seen by many to be a better investment of funds than simply heaping more generous allowances on the expatriate.

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