Expats who have moved abroad to work feel they would have benefitted from a greater level of support from their employers, research finds.
The survey conducted by Lloyds Bank of 1,039 British expats revealed that while many overseas workers believed their employers had on average improved their relocation provisions, there were several areas where employees would have appreciated further assistance when making the transition to their new countries.
A quarter (25%) of respondents said they had not received a moving allowance from their employer, while 26% said their company had not helped with housing costs.
Furthermore, almost three-quarters of international assignees said they did not receive schooling assistance or guidance for their children from employers. According to the 2013 Brookfield Global Relocation Trends survey, one of the most common reasons for an expat returning early from an assignment was family concerns (23%), with schooling being one of these main reasons.
Over half (57%) of overseas workers surveyed that did receive schooling assistance said that they found it useful.
Likewise, 63% said they had received no assistance with language training and 58% received no assistance with social or networking events.
Lloyds Bank international director Richard Musty explained it was important for companies to consider employees' overall needs rather than just financial support when sending them on international assignments.
"Even though there has been a slight decline in people moving abroad as the UK economy picks up, working abroad remains popular as many people jump at the chance to experience different cultures and lifestyles first-hand, or just escape the weather. When sending employees abroad, it is important that companies consider their needs as well as their contract in order to ensure a successful assignment," he said.
"It's perhaps understandable that some employees aren't receiving financial assistance such as moving or housing allowances, especially among those who live in European destinations, but it's surprising to see that lifestyle aspects are generally less catered for than financial factors. Help with language and the kids' education can be relatively low-cost but it really contributes to making expats feel at home in their new countries."
