The benefits of an expat assignment

“The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” 

- Christopher McCandless

Not too long ago, I highlighted research that indicated just how attractive international assignments are to talented and motivated employees. The opportunity for this kind of life changing experience is highly valued and can be a source of talent attraction and employee engagement. An amazing developmental opportunity is at the core of any chance to head off on an international assignment or transfer.

In that post, Survey reveals that expat assignments are a big interest for employees I shared that "71% of Gen X'ers and 75% of millennials are highly interested in experiencing an expat assignment with only 12% and 19%, respectively having actually had the chance." Some of the many benefits are:

• Career progression
• Skill development
• Improved language skills
• An improved understanding of the business and the unique aspects of managing it globally
• Personal insights
• The experience of a new culture
• A shared experience with your family like none other

Savvy employers are partnering with their relocation management companies and recruiters to consider how to leverage relocation and international assignment programs (rotational assignments, job shares, short-term developmental, etc.) to appeal to workers.   

Is your mobility program maximizing these opportunities? 

For more on this topic, try some of our recent posts:

Talent mobility could be the key to unlocking your organization's potential

The great talent face-off

How to speed up your recruitment process and bring on the best talent

Thinking about recruiting mobile talent? Then check this out