Sun, 22 November 2009
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For the staff of multinational companies, an overseas posting used to seem like an inevitable step on the career path. But now the world is in the grip of an economic crisis, a spell abroad is no longer something they can take for granted.According to the findings of a survey of 180 managers by London-based consultants Brookfield, more than two thirds of the major multinationals are expecting to post fewer employees abroad this year.
Nannette Ripmeester of the Dutch consultancy Expertise in Labour Mobility recognises the picture. She sees two possible responses to the crisis: either send fewer employees abroad, or economise on the facilities for expats, by cutting back on housing allowances or air tickets for trips back home.
However, spokespersons for Shell, Philips and Akzo Nobel are keen to stress that they won’t be skimping on perks for expats.
“They’re set down in the collective labour agreement – they’re agreed beforehand so you can’t change them,” says a Philips spokesperson.
Critical eye
Companies acknowledge that they are approaching the matter of overseas posting with a critical eye. These days they think more carefully whether it is really necessary to send someone from the Netherlands to an office abroad. Philips policy is already to use local personnel where possible. However, this is a strategy dating from before the economic crisis.
Johan Huizinga
Radio Netherlands
Photo credits: oscar alexander; livepine
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