Once a foreign assignment is completed, how can companies help expatriates return to their home countries?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The process of preparing expatriates to return home from a foreign assignment is called repatriation. Reentry is not as simple as it might sound. Culture shock takes place in reverse. Companies are increasingly making efforts to help expatriates through the transition of returning to the home country after completing a foreign assignment. Two activities help the process along: communication and validation. Communication refers to the expatriate receiving information and recognizing changes while abroad. The more the organization keeps in contact with the expatriate, the more effective and satisfied the person will be upon return. The expatriate plays a role in this process as well. Expatriates should work at maintaining important contacts in the company and industry. Communication related to career development before and during the overseas assignment also should help the employee return to a position that is challenging and interesting. Validation means giving the expatriate recognition for the overseas service when this person returns home. Validation should also include planning for how the returning employee will contribute to the organization. Expatriates who receive praise and recognition from colleagues and top managers for their overseas service and future contribution have fewer troubles with reentry than those whose contributions are disregarded. Validation should also include planning for how the returning employee will contribute to the organization. What skills will this person bring back? What position will he or she fill?