Successfully bringing employees home after extended overseas assignments involves taking care of both their logistical needs (departure and destination services) and their personal and professional reorientation to home country conditions. This reorientation element no doubt is the more sensitive area.
It’s critical that managers foster an ongoing dialogue with assignees throughout the assignment period regarding their long-term career track and their next (home) assignments. This best practice can head off an employee’s concern that he or she is “out-of-sight, out-of-mind,” which can put their long-term retention at risk.
Following are some additional steps to take—for both the employer and the assignee—that can ease the stress involved in the ultimate repatriation.
Discontinue allowances such as housing, COLA, transportation, tuition assistance, hardship, etc.
Ensure all paperwork is in order related to visas, work permits, etc.