Why is pre departure training important

Hurn, B. Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Report bugs here. Please share your general feedback. What is pre-departure training for expatriates? Pre-departure training for expatriates is a broad term for a programme that briefs soon to be expatriates on what to expect when living and working abroad.

Well delivered training allows employees to personalise learnings to anticipate and plan for challenges they and their family may face when they move abroad. What are the benefits of pre-departure training for expatriates? There are a range of benefits of a holistic training plan for expats as they settle in to their role abroad: Clear understanding of their role: employees who are sent abroad for the right reasons are likely to be most successful.

Therefore, detailed inter-cultural studies and sensitivity training is required to: Provide a detailed overview of the cultural differences between home and host countries. Develop emotional flexibility to accept unfamiliar behaviour and values are effective ways of doing things.

Help the expatriate to evoke a sense of respect towards the culture and norms of their host country and to enact change in a culturally sensitive way.

Related articles. More information. Blog Improving collaboration in a Hybrid Workforce As much of the world begins to combine office and remote working, discover how employers can help improve collaboration amongst a hybrid workforce. Blog Emotional Wellbeing and Wellness at Work How we feel has a significant impact on how we perform at work. Blog Best balance in the post-pandemic workplace COVID has been a game-changer for workplaces across the globe and the way we work.

Blog Workplace Wellness Statistics for Global HR Wondering the impact embracing workplace wellness might have on your international business?

Blog How to get leadership buy-in for corporate wellbeing Are you a HR professional struggling to get buy in from leadership for corporate wellbeing? Blog What is included in Business Travel Insurance Does your business have an employee travelling overseas for a short time? Therefore in order to reduce the consequences of cultural differences and improve productivity of the employee on international assignment, cross cultural management and training must be implemented before the employee leaves their home country.

Industries, and even organisations, are often as different and diverse as the countries themselves. This adds another level of difficulty to the assignment for both the managers and the employee.

Managing employees on an international assignment involves managing national and organisational cultures simultaneously. As people are a huge asset to organisations, it is important that they are utilised in a way that benefits both the organisation and themselves. Not only do they promote management development by exposing different perspectives and viewpoints on organisational practices and business matters, but they are also able to enhance the staff knowledge and competence, as well as develop social capital and create more business relationships.

As international assignments offer both organisational and personal professional gain, when done correctly, they are encouraged. Language training. Secondary to understanding the culture of their new country, it is useful for expat employees to develop language skills. It helps build relationships and rapport with new colleagues. Managers who could communicate with colleagues in the local language, found employees were more motivated to achieve organisational goals.

Project alignment meetings. These meetings usually cover topics like: Timelines Milestones Reporting Expectations. Support while abroad. These requirements will vary by location and role but may include: Logistical assistance with moving Support for spouse and children Assistance with admin in their new home Mentoring Connecting with other expats Staying connected with home Establishing a pre-departure training programme containing some of these elements should prepare those about to travel abroad for what lies ahead.

Many expats travelling abroad are concerned about accessing healthcare while they are away. If this is highlighted in pre-departure meetings in your organisation, we can help arrange international health insurance for your employees. If you are an IHRM with questions about expat health insurance , please get in touch, we are happy to help. Related articles. More information. Blog Employee wellbeing initiatives for This year is likely to be a year of significant change as vaccination programmes enable the world to cycle out of rolling lockdowns.

Blog Challenges of international human resource management We look in depth at some of the challenges faced by international human resource management from fostering a diverse workplace to solving international communication problems. Blog Guide to the Digital Future of Healthcare Discover the employers guide to the digital future of healthcare and how it may impact health insurance provision in the coming years.

Blog HR Guide to Disability in the Workplace Statistics continually show that people with disabilities are disproportionally unemployed globally. Blog International travel insurance and SME international expansion Are you an SME looking for international travel insurance with a focus on healthcare? Blog The future of health insurance From personalisation to better use of digital platforms we look at changes in healthcare industry that may impact health insurance in and beyond.