Research Paper: How Can Coaching Ease The Repatriation Process?
Experience learns that it is better that the coaching is provided by an outsider (not by a company counselor), because such coaching quickly becomes intensely personal. A common outcome of a cultural transition to home is that people begin re-examining their life. After they have formed a bond of trust with the coach, returnees are able to open their hearts and minds and to mull over many of their deepest concerns. Most returnees just aren’t comfortable baring their souls to a company counselor. Promises of strict confidentiality are simply more believable coming from an outside consultant.
It is useful to start the cooperation months before the expatriate is supposed to return home (even better would be to assign a coach for the whole duration of the international assignment).
The coach can be of great help to facilitate the social and psychological adjustments, by raising the awareness of the returnee on the awaiting challenges:
4. Repatriation of the trailing spouse/partner
Trailing spouses and partners make sacrifices, take risks and support the expatriate when transferred abroad. Upon repatriation they play an equally important role on the rapidity of the repatriate manager’s adjustment back home. They deserve special attention and recognition for their contributions and struggles.
It is in the interest of the company to support the repatriation of the trailing spouse, as unhappy partners can interfere with a manager’s performance and productivity.
In the repatriation process there is so much to organize from a practical perspective, tying up all the aspects of life in one location, packing and shipping possessions and making arrangements for loved ones and pets. Those “to do” lists seem to self-multiply. One task so often leads to three more. It can become overwhelming.
But it is not simply about tasks and getting things done. The repatriation process is also emotionally overwhelming. There are feelings of sadness at leaving a life, friends and colleagues behind. There are feelings of excitement at going home after all these years. There may be a sense of fear and anxiety about what is going to happen in their lives. Often trailing spouses left careers behind and feel stressed about the re-entry into a career after a multiyear furlough.
Personal coaching for repatriate spouses and partners makes a big difference in how rapidly they assimilate. A coach can encourage them to look towards the future and can help them to break the complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks.
The purpose of the coaching sessions: