Everything you need to know about Long Term Assignments

Whether you’re considering embarking on a long-term assignment or managing employees on such assignments, it’s crucial to understand the intricacies involved.

Planning International assignments can be daunting if your company is implementing them for the first time. At MovePlus Mobility, we understand the intricacies of global assignments. In today’s blog post we’ll walk you through everything you need to know from planning to execution. Our mission is to empower HR teams like yours to make these assignments a success.

Long-term assignments typically involve an employee relocating to a different location, often in another country, for an extended period—typically one year or more. The objective? To fulfill specific business objectives, transfer knowledge, establish new markets, or simply nurture talent development in a global context.

Crafting a Comprehensive Relocation Policy

The cornerstone of any successful long-term assignment is a well-defined corporate relocation policy. This policy serves as the roadmap for your company’s approach to global mobility. Consider these key elements:

• Assignment Duration: Define what qualifies as long-term assignments within your organization. Is it six months, a year, or more?
• Compensation and Benefits: Ensure that employees on long-term assignments receive fair compensation, including salary, allowances, and benefits that align with their new location’s cost of living.
• Legal and Compliance: Stay informed about local labor laws and visa/immigration regulations. The tax implications of long-term assignments can be very complex. Employees may face tax obligations both in their home country and the host country, requiring specialized.
• Family Support: Acknowledge the role of families in the success of long-term assignments. Provide support services, such as spousal employment assistance and access to international schools.
• Cost Projection: Work with your RMC to run cost estimates of possible assignment scenarios to project the total cost for the company. Long term assignment come with higher costs due to several factors including extended duration, additional benefits (e.g., housing allowances, home leave trips), immigration and tax costs and repatriation.

Preparing Assignees for Success

Preparation is key to a smooth transition for your employees. Here’s how to get them ready:

• Cultural Training: Offer cultural orientation programs to help assignees adapt to their new environment.
• Language Proficiency: Encourage language training if necessary to facilitate communication and integration.
• Visa and Immigration: Facilitate the visa and immigration process, ensuring assignees have the necessary documentation to work legally in the host country.
• Relocation Services: Partner with a relocation management company like MovePlus Mobility to provide end-to-end support, including housing, transportation, household good shipping, school placement, and settling-in services.

Ongoing Support and Communication

Maintaining open lines of communication with assignees is essential for their well-being and productivity. MovePlus Advocates have ongoing regular check-ins with assignees so we can help address any challenges they may face.

Repatriation and Knowledge Transfer

The end of a long-term assignment is often overlooked but equally important. Repatriation should be just as well-planned as the initial assignment. Consider:

• Knowledge Transfer: Ensure that knowledge acquired during the assignment is effectively transferred to colleagues within the organization.
• Career Planning: Discuss career plans with returning assignees and explore how their newly acquired skills can benefit the company.

Partner with MovePlus Mobility

To streamline the entire process, it’s beneficial to partner with a relocation management company. Our expertise in corporate relocation and global mobility ensures a seamless experience for both HR teams and assignees. From relocation policy consulting to on-the-ground support, we’ve got you covered.

We invite you to schedule an introductory consultation with our team. Let’s discuss how MovePlus Mobility can tailor our services to meet your unique needs and help you navigate the world of long-term assignments with confidence.